Making a success of Europe’s railways

Published on Updated on

Doubling high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and goods transportation by rail by 2050: these are the targets set by the European Commission in its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. So where do we stand today? An overview of the major challenges that need to be met to make Europe's railways a success.

1st challenge: to implement interoperability

Interoperability refers to the ability of our systems and equipment (power supply, train gauges, signalling, etc.) to operate with those of our European neighbours. The aim is to facilitate cross-border train movements, and thus significantly increase the share of rail in European transport. In particular, the European Commission has chosen to make the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a new-generation signalling system, the new European standard. The ERTMS will eventually replace the various signalling systems currently in service in Europe. 

  • 1,066 km of ERTMS are already active on the French rail network 
  • 120 lines crossing 24 European countries are equipped with the ERTMS 
     

2nd challenge: to create a single rail market

In order to develop a rail area "without borders or barriers" in Europe, it is necessary to establish a common framework for all Member States. In this context, we are working closely with the European Union and European infrastructure managers to make our passenger and freight services even more attractive. 

More regularity with the Quality Circle of Operations project

Our service offer

Will there soon be twice as much freight and passenger traffic in Europe?

Travelling by train means emitting 12 times less CO2 than by electric car, 26 times less than by combustion engine car and 65 times less than by plane. Rail freight emits 10 times less CO2 than road freight. Because there is an urgent need to decarbonise the transport sector, we are working relentlessly to double the modal share of rail, for both passengers and freight.  

Decarbonising freight: a necessity

If we want to improve the competitiveness of rail freight transport in Europe, we need to make it more efficient and more accessible for railway undertakings, ports, shippers and multimodal hubs. Our teams are on deck!  

Intermodality: when rail meets water

An overview of international rail freight

  • 75 %

    of domestic freight still transits by road in Europe

  • 20 %

    of carbon emissions from transport in France come from heavy goods vehicles

International freight

Find out more