Third railway package
Encyclopedia
The third railway package is a collection of European Union
legislation, intended to revitalise railways across Europe and open up passenger services to competition.
, the main act of the third railway package was open access for all international passenger services, including cabotage
, across the railways of the EU from 1 January 2010. However, there were also reforms to rail passengers' rights (including a minimum level of compensation for delays); this applies to both international and domestic rail travel, but national governments can exempt some domestic services from this in the medium term. and harmonisation of train drivers licences.
The third railway package reflects the 2001 white paper, "European transport policy for 2010", but much detailed discussion and negotiation was needed to agree the various provisions.
The legislation is hoped to stimulate new and improved rail services across Europe. A progress report is expected to be submitted in 2012, which may stimulate further liberalisation, particularly for domestic rather than international rail services.
This European legislation has been mirrored by local laws in individual countries of the EU; for instance, the Railways Infrastructure (Access and Management) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 in the UK
.
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, intended to revitalise railways across Europe and open up passenger services to competition.
Overview
Following on from the Second railway packageSecond Railway Package
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.-History:...
, the main act of the third railway package was open access for all international passenger services, including cabotage
Cabotage
Cabotage is the transport of goods or passengers between two points in the same country by a vessel or an aircraft registered in another country. Originally starting with shipping, cabotage now also covers aviation, railways and road transport...
, across the railways of the EU from 1 January 2010. However, there were also reforms to rail passengers' rights (including a minimum level of compensation for delays); this applies to both international and domestic rail travel, but national governments can exempt some domestic services from this in the medium term. and harmonisation of train drivers licences.
The third railway package reflects the 2001 white paper, "European transport policy for 2010", but much detailed discussion and negotiation was needed to agree the various provisions.
The legislation is hoped to stimulate new and improved rail services across Europe. A progress report is expected to be submitted in 2012, which may stimulate further liberalisation, particularly for domestic rather than international rail services.
Legislation
- Directive 2007/58/EC, on open access
- Directive 2007/59/EC, on harmonised licenses for train drivers
- Regulation 1370/2007 on open access, and subsidised public services
- Regulation 1371/2007 on rail passengers rights
This European legislation has been mirrored by local laws in individual countries of the EU; for instance, the Railways Infrastructure (Access and Management) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 in the UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
See also
- ERTMS - A pan-European signalling system being promoted by the EU.
- 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 - 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...
- Second railway packageSecond Railway PackageThe Second Railway Package is a group of European Union legislation which promote common standards and open access, working towards an integrated European railway area.-History:...