European Traffic Management Network (ETMN)
As a reaction to the EU Transport Strategy and European Commission document ‘Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy from 2020’, the RNE Traffic Management High-Level Group agreed to start an initiative supporting the European strategy goals. The European Commission plans to expand the rail market, addressing the needs of Railway Undertakings for access to high-quality capacity and maximising the use of rail infrastructure. A clear message also goes towards rail freight transport, which needs significant boosting through increased capacity, strengthened cross-border coordination and cooperation between rail Infrastructure Managers for the better overall management of the rail network.
RNE’s activities to support European goals has been leading to improved international cooperation on all levels of traffic management via enhanced cooperation between national traffic control centres, with a focus on international train runs. The main goal is to offer better international train management with higher capacity utilisation, meeting the needs of the customers established via the european traffic management network of national traffic control centres. Synergies from close cooperation with RFCs, RUs, Terminals, and other stakeholders should contribute to achieving this.
The conceptual approach approved by the RNE GA in May 2021 defines four main subsequent projects for setting up a European Traffic Control Centre Network around Europe. The first project started in 2021 and the last project to finish by end of 2025.
Expected Benefits
- Increased efficiency and better capacity utilisation of the railway network
- Higher focus on international traffic and customer needs
- Reliable international traffic management with higher punctuality and shorter delays
- More efficient border handling and reduction of unnecessary dwell times
- More efficient handling of disruptions with international impact with efficient handling of affected trains
- Improved cooperation with all stakeholders