Public service rail transport in the European Union: An overview

Public service transport plays a crucial role in passenger transport in the European Union both from a political and an economic point of view. It is estimated that approximately 90% of domestic passenger transport is currently provided in the EU within the context of public service arrangements, which in many cases represents substantial revenues for railway undertakings. Moreover, public service transport undeniably constitutes a tool in public authorities’ welfare policies.

The operation and organisation of public service transport differs greatly throughout the Union due to the great variety of needs and traditions. Furthermore, while the provision of public service transport in the EU 15 takes place to date within a certain legal framework providing some protection for railway undertakings, the same does not apply to railway operators from the new EU Member States. In other words, conditions under which public service transport is provided are complex. Harmonised, rules cannot be applied without taking into account the specific political and economic context in each Member State.

Against this background, the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) is publishing this brochure which describes the state of the art in the European Union as well as in Norway and Switzerland. A general commentary is also included, guiding the reader through the various elements taken into account when providing public service transport. With this brochure, CER hopes to provide some useful guidance to stakeholders in their assessment of the new legal framework for public service transport as proposed by the European Commission in July 2005.