Will new regulator group aid Europe's private operators?

摘要

The formation of the Independent Regulators Group - Rail (IRG-Rail) by 15 national railway regulators (p6) should bring some comfort to the line-up of private rail operators preparing to launch open-access passenger services in Europe, often in the face of stiff opposition from incumbents, not to mention embattled open-access railfreight operators. European Union directives require member states to have independent railway regulators which can rule on disputes over access to the rail network to ensure fair competition for both freight and passenger operators.