Over the past two years, the Noah’s Train campaign has laid the foundation for higher visibility of the rail freight sector and has forged closer ties with key institutional players who can support the RFF goals.
One sponsor of Noah’s Train during its stop-over in Paris and a strong supporter of the modal shift to sustainable modes of transport, Karima Delli, Chair of the European Parliament Transport and Tourism committee, organised a video conference on 5th May with the CEOs of the RFF coalition.
Topics discussed were the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and necessary measures to support rail freight in the months to come.
Funding is necessary to help the recovery phase of the rail freight market. At the same time, a push to digitalisation and a level playing field with competing modes of transport will make it possible for rail operators to fulfil their role as the backbone of intermodal supply chains.
Karima Delli restated that increasing the modal share of rail freight is instrumental to the achievement of climate objectives and she welcomed the ongoing efforts RFF is making to move us towards this goal.
Dr. Clemens Först, Chair of RFF and CEO ÖBB Rail Cargo Group said: “Rail freight is crucial for reaching our climate goals and rail freight has proven to be of systemic relevance for our economy during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. What is needed now once for all is the correct framework for a thriving rail freight sector in Europe. We are ready - it‘s time for Europe to make the shift to rail!”
Laurence Zenner, CEO of CFL cargo, said: “ Interoperability is of major importance to the development of the rail sector in Europe. A pro-active policy in favour of interoperability and its financing is a key element to increase the efficiency and the competitiveness of rail transport, and thus shift the modal balance and reduce our carbon footprint.“
Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, CEO of DB Cargo and Member of the Management Board of DB AG, said: “Every crisis is a chance as well. In a pandemic it is essential to keep the economy running. This is why we have to level the playing field and adjust the necessary framework conditions which make rail freight more competitive. We are all pursuing the same goal: Shift freight transport to rail and thus achieve our European climate goals!”
Ted Söderholm, CEO Green Cargo said: “During the corona crisis we have been able to win over new customers and in terms of a “green restart” it is key that we make sure they are kept onboard. The EU should make its contribution in sending a clear message to our customers, enabling them to choose sustainable logistics chains. This means for example minimizing any border issues for rail freight.”
Ivan Bednárik, Chairman of the Board of CD Cargo, said: “We, rail freight operators, have joined our voices together to reassure the European citizens that we are ready to take responsibility for the future of us all. We are ready to increase the share of a more environmentally friendly form of transport of goods in Europe which is much more sustainable for life and health.”
Frédéric Delorme, CEO of SNCF Fret said: “In a post COVID19 crisis, the relocation of economic value within European territories and more importantly, air quality have become key parameters to guide choices in a modern economy. Rail freight gathers these characteristics of a backbone green land transport at the service of the vitality of European industries.”
Libor Lochman, CER Executive Director, said: “Rail is set to play a paramount role in the roll out of the EU Green Deal and the rail freight community has its views on the right conditions to meet this goal, as outlined in the RFF pledge 30 by 2030.”
François Davenne, Director General of UIC, said: “RFF goals expressed in the RFF Pledge 20 by 2030, strongly supported by UIC technical expertise, shall not be impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. 2021 will be the European Year of the Railways, it must also be the year of the railway backbone for EU freight.”