Advance Capacity Planning is a forward-looking, structured and iterative process through which Infrastructure Managers (IMs) plan the availability and use of railway network capacity in an equitable, transparent and non-discriminatory manner for all types of rail transport services. It is organised as a multi-phase planning cycle starting at least five years before the relevant working timetable period, covering in minimum the TEN-T core and extended core network, and progressing from a Capacity Strategy to a Capacity Model and a Capacity Supply Plan, each reflecting increasing levels of detail.
The approach is based on a comprehensive assessment of past and expected demand, infrastructure development and works, market characteristics, framework agreements and rolling planning, as well as Capacity Needs Announcements (CNAs) submitted by applicants. ACP is carried out at a sufficiently detailed level of sections and nodes, supported by a publicly available strategic route map, and explicitly takes into account the needs of multi-network services.
The organisation of ACP relies on close coordination and consultation. IMs consult all operational stakeholders through structured consultation rounds and coordinate with other IMs to ensure cross-network consistency, particularly for cross-border and European services. The process is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in infrastructure, market demand, allocation outcomes, traffic management experience, disruption handling and performance reviews, with each phase concluding in the transparent publication of the relevant planning document.
ACP Calendar
RNE and its Members define common timelines for Advance Capacity Planning (ACP) purposes. The calendars lay down the relevant milestones of ACP including the deadlines of publications and sharing input as part of the consultation process.