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Transportation is one of the leading sources of greenhouse gases (GHG). Achieving the ambitious Paris Agreement goal, limiting global warming to 1.5 Celsius, requires that the GHG emissions from this sector be drastically reduced. The European Union Trans-European Transport Network (EU TEN-T network), which is under construction, is an electrified high-speed rail system, creating a reliable and climate friendly EU-wide transportation system with a viable alternative to more polluting modes of transportation. This policy statement proposes further improvements for implementation of ticketing systems and passenger rights.
A “Green” Transportation System
Referring to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data, the World Economic Forum (WEF, 2015) asserts that the transportation sector was responsible for 12 percent of total CO2 emissions from the European OECD member states. This represents the fourth largest single source of CO2 emissions after the energy, manufacturing and household sectors. These numbers clearly indicate the important role of passenger and freight transportation in climate change mitigation.
A “green” transportation system can lead the charge for climate change mitigation. When the EU set out to become a global leader in the fight against climate change, it developed and adopted an ambitious plan to create a sustainable and equitable transport system - the TEN-T. It is an important component of the transition to that green transportation system.
Problems of Intra-EU Rail Transport
The problems European passenger rail encounters can vary, depending on the specific circumstances. The greatest belong to one of three categories: the ticket purchasing system, interoperability between national networks, and overall service quality. When assessing the TEN-T network and its shortcomings, these problems must be addressed effectively.
Ticketing
The process of booking an intra-EU train ticket is cumbersome and inconvenient compared to that of an airline ticket. There is no platform where tickets from all competing operators on a given route can be compared and purchased. The process of comparing prices and buying a ticket should be as convenient as possible (European Commission, QANDA, 2021).
Interoperability
Currently, the EU rail network consists of several different national grids which differ greatly. To operate a train between grids there are three main factors to consider: the track gauge, the electrification system and the train control system (European Union Agency for Railways, “Technical Specifications for Interoperability”., 2016). The TEN-T network must address all of these issues to become successful.
Service Quality
Trains are often considered burdensome, delayed, and unreliable. This reputation must change. Delays are a common disturbance and a regular occurrence on routes operating above capacity, or when a switch between systems is required. Single tickets for multiple-carrier travel, as are commonplace in air travel and a lack of passenger rights increases challenges for passengers who miss connections. There are no direct repercussions for the operator, while passengers must deal with the challenges.
What is the TEN-T Network?
The TEN-T network is an EU rail network development plan for conventional and high-speed rail. There are three completion stages: 2030 – core corridors, 2040 extended core and 2050 – the comprehensive network. The core network will connect the largest cities, industrial centers, and transportation hubs across the EU. It represents the backbone of a future integrated intra-EU rail network. This policy statement considers foremost the nine core corridors set for completion by 2030.
According to the Austrian federal ministry for climate protection, environment, energy, mobility, innovation and technology, the length of this first network will be 50.762 kilometers (km). The comprehensive network has a target length of 138.072 km. Four of the core corridors will traverse Austria, demonstrating the connectivity the network will provide (Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, Republic of Austria, “Europäisches Verkehrsnetz TEN-T”. May 2023).
The entire network will be built using standard gauge tracks to ensure seamless cross border traffic furthering cohesion and network integration of all EU member states. Furthermore, the new European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) will be rolled out on the TEN-T network. ERTMS consists of two main parts: the European Train Control System (ETCS) and a standardized communications system between all involved parties. According to ERTMS, the system can increase the capacity of a rail network by 40%, alleviating the current capacity crunch. This system could be migrated onto all national networks to standardize the system, improving interoperability between networks dramatically (ERTMS, ERTMS in brief). TEN-T also will be built using a standardized electrification system.
Additional Benefits
While the TEN-T network is aimed at passenger service improvements, there are additional benefits. The core network will alleviate the tense situation regarding freight rail in the EU and the capacity constraints it faces. This is achieved not only by adding additional rail capacity, but by taking demand from the current network. A less strained rail system will be more robust and allow for more reliable service on already existing routes.
Of course, the new freight rail corridors will significantly improve the connectivity of the EU rail network and make freight rail more competitive. This will reduce congestion at many major international airports and traffic jams on EU roadways. Since rail freight can provide greater capacity than a long haul truck and is much cheaper than airfreight, it can be very competitive on intra-EU routes, creating knock-on effects for the businesses it serves. These include a more resilient supply chain, lower costs of shipping and distribution, and shorter lead times on orders.
The construction and operation of the rail network will create a substantial number of jobs. While many of these jobs will be construction jobs and hence limited to a certain project, others will be required to maintain the new infrastructure and manage the new traffic. More trains will be needed, so passenger and freight rail operators will have to hire further employees, adding further long-term jobs. It also will enhance economic growth due to the investment in the EU member states.
Participating Organizations
The driving force behind the TEN-T policy has been the EU, in particular the Parliament and Commission. It also leans heavily on the national governments and rail companies to implement the policies. Even local communities and individual residents are key stakeholders in the policy´s success. Laying new tracks impacts the immediate surroundings, while on an individual level potential network customers will decide whether or not to accept it. The success of the TEN-T network depends on good public relations.
While work is underway on all core corridors, there are key issues related to implementation and construction delays. Often, this is due to issues on the national level, such as land purchasing, noise pollution, and underfunded national rail network providers and operators. Such issues have led to differing construction speeds, meaning the core corridors, while under construction, might still represent a jigsaw puzzle of rail projects in different states of completion.
Potential Improvements
While TEN-T network implementation portends much improvement, additional steps must be taken to maximize the impact. These pertain to ticket purchasing, service quality and passenger rights, as well as rollout delays. An increase in robustness gives consumers the confidence to use rail, rather than airline or automobile options.
Ticket Purchasing System
A common ticket purchasing platform must be established so that consumers can compare services and prices more easily. There is push-back from national operators and governments fearing lost revenues. Yet, as an EU project which hinges on broad public use, its consumer utility is undermined by the lack of such a tool and should be rectified quickly. These challenges could be met with EU Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP) passage of a directive, requiring the ticketing data from all public rail operators to be published. The directive will allow ticket purchasing platforms to be established, offering current prices for all operators, enhancing competition, and lowering prices for consumers. Such ticketing platforms have long been vital in facilitating access to air travel for the broader population. Additionally, such a measure could be implemented quickly, since no physical infrastructure is needed – a timeline for implementation by the end of 2024 is possible, if the political will exists.
Refunds and Delays
The EU must pass legislation to improve the rights of passengers, establishing refunds for serious delays and resulting missed connections. This will incentivize good on-time performance. Good on-time performance can, in turn, only be achieved by an expeditious implementation of the core corridors and well-operated service. The threat of being forced to pay refunds in such cases could also incentivize the national authorities tasked with the construction of the TEN-T rail network, to ensure the timely implementation. This could be made law within months.
Implementation
Implementation should be undertaken at equal rates with special attention to differing national circumstances. Since the TEN-T core network will consist of specific corridors as part of the member state national rail grids, and thus can be likened to a chain, which is only as strong as its weakest link, delay in individual countries must be minimized. Currently, only four out of the nine core corridors are on track to be fully operational by 2030. Existing legislation still permits member states to address details regarding the exact implementation. The EU must enact legislation to avoid large scale delays quickly.
If necessary, the EU also must invest additional funds to address the issue of differing construction and implementation speeds. While some countries have not paid enough attention to passenger rail, others lack the capacity to do so. To ensure an equitable transition to sustainable transportation the EU might be required to provide further resources to level the playing field.
Ambition for Maximum Effect on the Road to 2030
The TEN-T project is an ambitious, comprehensive and actionable EU plan. While much work has been done and key pieces of legislation and funding are in place, more effort is needed. The planned projects must be completed and operationalized rapidly. Implementing the proposed improvements would make it more effective.
The TEN-T network will make the EU a global leader in sustainable transportation, and this approach could be replicated elsewhere. Building a resilient and effective passenger and freight rail network, starting with a core network and expanding this over time is the model for success. In the US, most of the rail track and rights of way are owned by class 1 freight rail companies, whose profit motive inhibits smooth functioning passenger service for the national operator Amtrak. This could be addressed through legislation, giving passenger rail the priority status during daytime, when passenger services are most required. If a core network would be designated, then the existing rail network could be optimized for electrified high-speed passenger rail, greatly improving the service. Electrification of the freight tracks would have to follow suit in order to reduce reliance on diesel locomotives, making the freight rail network significantly more sustainable as well.
The TEN-T network concept is sound. Its ultimate impact will be determined by ridership and overall utility to the public. It is imperative to focus on the needs of potential customers and to provide the best service possible. This can only be achieved by further improvements. For now the train is on track.
Sources
Council of the EU, Press release, “Trans-European transport network (TEN-T): Council and Parliament strike a deal to ensure sustainable connectivity in Europe”. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/12/18/trans-european-transport-network-ten-t-council-and-parliament-strike-a-deal-to-ensure-sustainable-connectivity-in-europe/
ERTMS, ERTMS in brief, https://www.ertms.net/about-ertms/ertms-in-brief/
ERTMS, Updated Factsheet 2024 Edition, Factsheet #3, “ERTMS/ETCS In Numbers”. 28.03.2024, https://www.ertms.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ERTMSETCS-In-Numbers-1.pdf
European Commission, Mobility and Transport, “Trans-Europe and Transport Network (TEN-T)”, https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/infrastructure-and-investment/trans-european-transport-network-ten-t_en
European Commission, QANDA, “Questions and Answers: Action Plan to boost long-distance and crossborder passenger rail services”. 14.12.2021, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/qanda_21_6701/QANDA_21_6701_EN.pdf
European Union Agency for Railways, “Technical Specifications for Interoperability”., 2016, https://www.era.europa.eu/domains/technical-specifications-interoperability_en
Eurostat, Statistics Explained, “Freight transport statistics – modal split”. 15.04.2024, https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Freight_transport_statistics_-_modal_split
Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, Republic of Austria, “Europäisches Verkehrsnetz TEN-T”. May 2023, https://www.bmk.gv.at/themen/mobilitaet/transport/international_eu/publikationen/TEN-T.html
Myers, J. “What are Europe´s biggest sources of carbon emissions?”. World Economic Forum, 06.11.2015, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/11/what-are-europes-biggest-sources-of-carbon-emissions/
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