Second Railway Package
Encyclopedia
The Second Railway Package is a group of European Union
legislation which promote common standards and open access
, working towards an integrated European railway area.
was dominated by national monopolies; these effectively excluded competitors from their networks. Starting in 1991, the EU developed legislation to open railways up to competition, which would help them regain modal share from road and air transport.
, to coordinate safety and interoperability efforts.
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
legislation which promote common standards and open access
Open Access (Infrastructure)
In the context of infrastructure, open access involves physical infrastructure such as railways and physical telecommunications network plant being made available to clients other than the owners, for a fee....
, working towards an integrated European railway area.
History
For much of the 20th century, rail transport in EuropeRail transport in Europe
Rail transport in Europe is characterised by its diversity, both technical and infrastructural.Rail networks in Western and Central Europe are often well maintained and well developed, whilst Eastern and Southern Europe often have less coverage and infrastructure problems...
was dominated by national monopolies; these effectively excluded competitors from their networks. Starting in 1991, the EU developed legislation to open railways up to competition, which would help them regain modal share from road and air transport.
Directive 2004/49/EC
2004/49/EC is the Railway Safety Directive; it has since been amended by Directive 2008/110/EC. It harmonised safety principles, including procedures for granting safety approval to railway operators and infrastructure owners.Directive 2004/50/EC
Directive 2004/50/EC harmonised interoperability requirements, particularly for high speed rail. It amended Directives 96/48 and 2001/16; it has since been updated by 2008/57/EC.Directive 2004/51/EC
Directive 2004/51/EC allowed open access for freight services, nationally and internationally, starting in January 2007Regulation (EC) 881/2004
Regulation 881/2004 created the European Railway AgencyEuropean Railway Agency
The European Railway Agency is one of the agencies of the European Union. The decision to set up the agency was made in April 2004. The agency has two main sites, both in Nord Department, France...
, to coordinate safety and interoperability efforts.
See also
- EU Directive 91/440EU Directive 91/440The EU Directive 91/440 is European Union legislation that sets out a framework and requirements for railways in the EU to allow open access operations on railway lines by companies other than those that own the rail infrastructure...
: The First Railway Package - ERTMS - A pan-European signalling system being promoted by the EU.
- European Railway AgencyEuropean Railway AgencyThe European Railway Agency is one of the agencies of the European Union. The decision to set up the agency was made in April 2004. The agency has two main sites, both in Nord Department, France...
- Rail transport in EuropeRail transport in EuropeRail transport in Europe is characterised by its diversity, both technical and infrastructural.Rail networks in Western and Central Europe are often well maintained and well developed, whilst Eastern and Southern Europe often have less coverage and infrastructure problems...
- Third railway packageThird railway packageThe third railway package is a collection of European Union legislation, intended to revitalise railways across Europe and open up passenger services to competition.-Overview:...