Why the European Commission’s Cross Border Pilot Projects Are a Good Idea – but Not the Way the Commission Communicates It

Introduction

The European Commission recently announced its 10 cross-border railway pilot projects, which were part of its commitment to boost passenger rail. However, while the Commission's communication about these projects may be overblown, the pilot projects themselves are actually a good idea, albeit not in the way the Commission presents them.

Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Approach

To understand the significance of these pilot projects, it is important to know how the European Commission can address cross-border railway problems. The Commission can take a top-down approach, as it has done with the railway packages, which are EU-level legislations aimed at solving on-ground issues. However, despite these efforts, many problems still persist.

The pilot projects, on the other hand, take a bottom-up approach by allowing railway companies, both public and private, to propose projects to the Commission. These projects aim to address specific issues at specific borders and seek the Commission's assistance in making them a reality.

The Scope and Challenges

While the pilot projects are a step in the right direction, it is important to note that they do not cover the entire European Union. Many cross-border rail problem points remain unaddressed. The absence of certain routes can be attributed to the fact that no industry player proposed them to the Commission.

However, some of the proposed routes, such as the Amsterdam-Barcelona route by European Sleeper, highlight the challenges that need to be overcome. These challenges include access to rolling stock, non-approval of locomotives in certain countries, and uncertainty regarding the use of specific carriages on high-speed lines. Similarly, routes between Germany and Czechia through Denmark to Sweden face complications in obtaining carriage approvals.

Routes between Spain and Portugal also present numerous technical and practical problems, resulting in inefficient and time-consuming journeys. These problems include the use of diesel trains on electrified lines and the need for multiple changes during trips.

The Value of Practical Solutions

Despite the Commission's over-selling of these pilots, the practical approach they represent holds great value. By understanding and addressing these problems, we can work towards finding meaningful solutions. Although the success of these pilot projects is not guaranteed, even failures will provide valuable insights and lessons for future endeavors.

Conclusion

While the European Commission's communication about the cross-border pilot projects may be exaggerated, the projects themselves have the potential to make a positive impact on Europe's railway system. By focusing on the details and practical aspects of these projects, we can appreciate their value and remain optimistic about the future of cross-border rail travel.

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By: Jon Worth
Title: Why the European Commission’s Cross Border Pilot Projects Are a Good Idea – but Not the Way the Commission Communicates It
Sourced From: jonworth.eu/why-the-european-commissions-cross-border-pilot-projects-are-a-good-idea-but-not-the-way-the-commission-communicates-it/
Published Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 11:14:46 +0000