Alfred Pitnik has been engaged in European railway business for decades and has worked at the international and European level for various ÖBB Group (Austrian Federal Railways) companies for 20 years.
As a member of the RNE Management Board, his focus lies on Temporary Capacity Restrictions (TCR) and the broader goal of developing a harmonised European rail system.
His experience spans both Infrastructure Managers and Railway Undertakings, giving him a comprehensive perspective on the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
RNE: Alfred, Which business areas are you responsible for?
Alfred Pitnik: Temporary Capacity Restrictions (TCR) represent one of the biggest obstacles and challenges in national, but above all in European railway operations if they are not planned early and backed by stable financing.
Fortunately, Austria provides a best-practice example of stable and long-term financing that enables early planning of infrastructure measures. I will therefore continue to advocate tirelessly for stable and long-term infrastructure funding across Europe.
RNE: How do you see the development of RNE?
Alfred Pitnik: First of all, I really enjoy working with and for RNE. This is also thanks to the highly motivated RNE team, whom I would like to take this opportunity to thank for their commitment and support!
As the name suggests – Rail Net Europe – it is about the European perspective and positioning, not just national aspects.
The European approach will become even more crucial for the success of the sector, particularly in the light of RNE’s role in implementing the Capacity Regulation.
We, as RNE, must quickly be fit to play in the “Champions League”. This is a major challenge, but together with our members, we can do it!
RNE: Do you envisage any challenges between your RNE responsibilities and your tasks for your national Infrastructure Manager?
Alfred Pitnik: I need to go into a little more detail! I have been working at the international and European level for various ÖBB Group companies for exactly 20 years now.
Whether at RNE or in other associations, the goal has always been to introduce, promote, and integrate the common European vision and its regulatory requirements into my own company.
At times, this can feel like a lonely mission. But where would we be without a common Europe? Concerns raised by colleagues within my organisation must be taken seriously, and the advantages of standardised European solutions must be communicated effectively. Communication is the key here.
Of course, things do not always run smoothly in Europe, but when challenges arise, we must reassess, improve, and try again.
Ultimately, it is important that everyone benefits from common solutions rather than just one party pushing through its position.
RNE: Anecdotes from your work with RNE?
Alfred Pitnik: My first encounter with RNE in my role as Chairman of the Railway Undertaking (RU) working group for international rail freight transport, established by DG MOVE. This was in connection with the development of the KPIs along the rail freight corridors.
At that time, I met highly competent and constructive colleagues at RNE- even though we initially had very different opinions and objectives on many topics. Today, I am happy to be part of the RNE Management Board.
Regardless of whether I worked for a Railway Undertaking (RU), an Infrastructure Manager (IM) or RNE, the goal has always been the same: to contribute to the continuous development and improvement of the competitiveness.
The similarities between the different sides of the railway system are striking – you just must be willing to recognise and build on them.
RNE: If you could make a wish for RNE’s future – what would it be?
Alfred Pitnik: In the first twenty years of its existence, RNE has developed into an indispensable service provider for European railway infrastructure managers as well as railway undertakings.
The upcoming Capacity Regulation provides a great opportunity for RNE’s further development.
My wish for RNE is therefore obvious: the drive the continued development of the rail sector into a harmonised European system, especially in the areas of capacity and traffic management!
RNE: You have been working prior to your change to the IM-side on the side of the freight railway undertakings, what could each side learn from each other?
Alfred Pitnik: The railway system is a complex network made up of many different components – like an orchestra, where precise coordination is needed to achieve an optimal result. It is essential to understand the perspectives and constraints of all stakeholders involved.
Working in different areas of the railway sector fosters this understanding.
With mutual appreciation, the coordination of the overall system improves.
This will help us in the challenge of developing rail into a sustainable and competitive mobility and logistics provider for the European economy and society.
RNE: Due to your boss Mr. Pluy, you are deeply involved in the work of the CER IM CEO coalition. Do you see the advantages using this channel to address topics to the CEO level?
Alfred Pitnik: Having direct access to the Management Board of the ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG is, of course, a great advantage. In many cases, it allows me to clarify pressing issues quickly and directly with senior leadership.
The CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies) IM CEO Coalition covers a wide range of infrastructure-related and customer-oriented topics.
For example, discussions on the introduction of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and its cost implications for railway competitiveness are critical.
My work within the coalition helps me maintain a holistic view of the railway system, stay up to date with developments, and understand the different approaches each Infrastructure Manager takes to address common challenges.
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