With its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the EU has set ambitious growth targets for cross-border rail services. However, current railway infrastructure capacity remains a critical issue.
To support future strategic planning and coordination, the European Commission has mandated the European Transport Market Study (ETMS), to be prepared by the future Network Coordinator.
To this aim, RNE launched the first iteration of the study, and has already reached the first milestones.
At the recently held European Transport Corridor (ETC) Fora in Brussels, 24-27 June 2026, RNE had the opportunity to present the study and its methodology to a wide range of stakeholders, highlighting examples of stakeholder involvement to establish common ground for future collaboration with the ETCs.
Advanced ETMS Methodology
The study is building on previous freight market knowledge from the Rail Freight Corridors, and for the first time also covering the long-distance passenger rail market.
Based on recent academic research on the Transport Network Design and Frequency Setting Problem (TNDFSP), RNE has procured a state-of-the-art methodology.
- It is capable of modelling not only the behaviour of passengers but also of rail operators.
- Furthermore, it has potential to forecast passenger numbers as well as expected key railway relations and frequencies. This will provide better insights into future infrastructure and rolling stock requirements.
The study will run until the end of 2027 and provide forecasts as far as 2035.
Stay Informed about the ETMS
The European Coordinators expressed strong interest in the ETMS and indicated their wish to be kept informed as the study progresses.
RNE will continue to publish updates on the ETMS and opportunities for stakeholder involvement.
We will regularly publish updates on our dedicated ETMS website and through RNE News articles.
The European Transport Market Study (ETMS) is co-funded by the European Union.
