Sense about Science’s Post

As the EU institutions are debating European Commission’s proposal to amend the Directive governing the Weights and Dimensions of commercial road vehicles (96/53), CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies), ERFA-European Rail Freight Association, UIC - International union of railways #UICrail, UIP and UIRR presented today a joint study on the impacts of Commission’s proposal. The study confirms the concerns of the rail freight industry. #freight #rail

The future of transport will either be combined or it won't be. We need to consider market demand and respond to it in a comprehensive way, using the best mode for each need. Similarly, we need to cover the whole of the Union with multimodal hubs and set up sustainable connections between theses hubs.

The EU treaties established the legal basis for a Common Transport Policy not for different transport policies peculiar to each mode of transport.

📣 Presentation of the Study on the Impacts of the Proposed Amendments to the Weights and Dimensions Directive on #CombinedTransport and Rail #Freight Transport 👉 With UIRR, International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP), ERFA-European Rail Freight Association, CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies) François DAVENNE, #UICrail DG, stated on the proposed amendments and added that it’s important to have together a system approach and the question of #modalshift is not only important for the railways but also for the road sector, built upon #interoperability ➡ Read the joint press release: https://lnkd.in/eqTfuk2x #EUGreenDeal #CombinedTransport #WeightsAndDimensions

Having led a vertically integrated railway for seven years it is the only way forward - from train to track one team. When you sit around the executive table as CEO you have all the accountable directors in one place. Less buck passing more focus on the people who travel on the rail network. A step forward for UK rail.

🥳Why is a boring proposed piece of legislation exciting? The intention is to make the railway more integrated and less fragmented. ❓What does that mean in normal language? 👉It means that for people who used the railway should it simpler to use. One face for one system. After all, people just want to get from A to B in the cheapest and most reliable way. 🤨But, but,but...... 🧐It is important that the "better" is worked on just as much as the "simpler." This is why behind a single face of an integrated system we still have: - competition - innovation - A more diverse supply chain with new entrants and new thinking - a drive to find efficiencies and bring costs down. - the railway works alongside other organisations to do what's best for communities, not just customers.

“6% of people in the UK use passenger rail. 100% of people in the UK use rail freight. It’s a unifying aspects of our economy that a lot of people don’t know about.” “Investors can be confident that government and the railways want freight to grow.” “Rail reform has to work for freight. There are promising plans but still a lot of detail left to sort out.” “We need Network Rail to modernise the way it does things- a lot of systems need updating. Part of rail reform will need to solve that and how we use technology better is a big opportunity.” -Maggie Simpson, Director General, Rail Freight Group. #RailForum24 #RFG

A new report commissioned by the Railway Industry Association has revealed that rail passenger numbers could double by 2050, compared to pre-pandemic levels.   In predicting annual growth of between 1.6% and 3.0%, and establishing a time frame for post-pandemic recovery, the report paints a positive longer-term outlook for the rail industry.   The report's growth predictions forecast a full recovery of the rail market in 4 to 7 years, with demand continuing to grow after that. With the HS1 line leading to a reduction in annual emissions equivalent to 60,000 short-haul flights - even while operating at only 50 per cent capacity - just imagine the environmental benefits with a further increase in passengers choosing rail over air.   You can read the full report below: https://lnkd.in/eU53Ah6K

Today, #RailReform took an important step forward when ministers set out a clear plan for the future of the railways, publishing a draft bill for scrutiny by Parliament for the creation of #GreatBritishRailways   ✅ Bringing track and train together under a guiding mind is by far the best way to improve the service the railway offers, unlock the economic potential of a growing network and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.   🚆 #GBRTT is working closely with the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Transport, Network Rail, train operators and other rail organisations to lay the foundations for #GBR, bringing different aspects of the service together to tackle the challenges faced by the railway today and in the future. Find out more 👉 https://lnkd.in/dRx6xi9Y

Virginia passenger rail continues breaking records, as Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) announced another increase in ridership this March –123,658 passengers, to be exact. That’s a 21% jump over March 2023.  The Commonwealth and the federal government are making historic investments to Transform Rail in Virginia through projects like the $2.3B Long Bridge and $400M Franconia-Springfield Bypass.     These investments are critical to delivering a globally competitive passenger rail system that enhances our region’s economic competitiveness and provides for a more inclusive and connected region. Read WY Daily for the story: https://bit.ly/4bkeoer #VirginiaRail #Amtrak