The proposed strategic investment in rail infrastructure in the recently announced Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) grants will only be optimised if there are modern, interoperable trains that can use it. Such trains are crucial for the future of Europe’s rail network. They will ensure seamless cross-border operations, enhance the overall efficiency of the rail system, and reduce the wear and tear on the tracks.
AERRL Secretary general, Carole Coune says: “Aid for ERTMS upgrades and retrofits is crucial to the development of rail’s market share. Perhaps some thought should also be given to how this aid should be granted. Could subsidies not be applied at source (i.e. directly to the supply base) at a level that ensures that the cost to the end user is not unnecessarily high? “
