The European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE) is urging for a €3bn investment in a Rail Research Programme within the EU Budget to support the industry’s technological leadership. This investment aims to enhance rail services for both passengers and freight, increase the reliability of the European rail network, and facilitate cross-border travel. The focus will be on developing new technologies like FRMCS, DAC, ATO, and ERTMS, which are seen as essential for enhancing productivity within the EU economy.
UNIFE’s director general highlighted the importance of staying ahead in rail technology development, especially considering global supply chain challenges. The proposed investment aligns with Europe’s climate neutrality objectives and aims to achieve a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 2050. Additionally, the investment is crucial for the success of future High-Speed Rail projects, the Single European Railway Area (SERA), and completing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
UNIFE plans to propose a pre-deployment strategy to integrate advanced technologies across more EU rail networks, building on existing innovations like ERTMS and Digital Automatic Coupling. The implementation of these technologies is vital for the industry’s competitiveness and meeting the evolving needs of European citizens and businesses. Recent initiatives like the FP2-MORANE-2 project led by the UIC aim to test technologies like FRMCS under real-world conditions, showcasing the industry’s commitment to technological advancement and innovation.
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