Approach & Organisation

Timetabling at European level is based on close coordination between Infrastructure Managers (IMs) and cooperation with applicants. The processes are defined to ensure transparency, non-discrimination, and efficient use of infrastructure capacity (i.e. “supply driven approach”), with a strong focus on international coordination.

RNE supports this cooperation by providing common processes, harmonised timelines, and central IT tools, enabling stakeholders to plan, request, and allocate capacity in a consistent and cross-border manner throughout the different timetabling processes.

Process

Timetabling is the coordinated process by which railway infrastructure capacity is requested, planned, and allocated to balance market demand with available network capacity at national and international level. Supported by harmonised European timelines and tools, it ensures transparent, efficient, and non-discriminatory allocation of capacity for reliable rail operations.

A key element of this process is the Capacity Supply, which provides an overview of pre-planned capacity aligned with expected market needs. This pre-planned capacity can then be requested and further specified during the timetabling processes.

Allocation

Railway capacity is allocated through a set of coordinated timetabling processes, designed to address different planning horizons and market needs:

• Annual Timetable
  The main capacity allocation process for the upcoming timetable year, where capacity rights are requested and coordinated well in advance to ensure a stable and reliable timetable, including international services.
• Rolling Planning
  A multi-annual allocation process that allows capacity to be requested closer to the time of operation, increasing flexibility while building on pre-planned capacity across multiple timetable years.
• Ad-hoc
  A process for requesting and allocating capacity during the running timetable, responding to late or unforeseen market demands.
• Framework Agreements
  Long-term agreements between applicants and Infrastructure Managers that secure capacity over several years, providing planning stability for services with long-term operational or commercial needs.
• Feasibility Studies
  Feasibility studies are a non-binding, pre-request process that allow applicants to assess whether new or modified rail service concepts could fit into the timetable through an iterative exchange with Infrastructure Managers.

Changes

• Alteration
  Path alteration occurs when an Infrastructure Managers needs to adjust, replace, or withdraw an already allocated international train path. Alterations are typically required due to Temporary Capacity Restrictions, such as maintenance or renewal works, or to restore safe train operations following a force majeure event.

• Modification
  Path modification allows applicants to adjust allocated international train paths to reflect changing market needs. Changes may affect specific days or route sections and can be major or minor, depending on their impact.

RNE and its Members provide common timelines for requesting and allocating capacity. The timelines are published annually in the timetabling calendar. The current calendars can be downloaded below.