Standardising data on border-crossing freight trains
To ensure the efficient operation of international freight trains, communication between railway operators could be improved through the standardisation of data exchange, and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Transport has issued an invitation to tender for a study of how this can be achieved. In line with European policy to strengthen the position of railways on the transport market, the Commission aims to encourage 'the seamless operation of international freight trains and the improvement of interfaces among railway operators'. In order to realise this, agreements on the electronic communication standards used in data exchange between railway operators are 'urgently needed'. A number of railways have created their own information technology system and specific applications for the transfer of such data, but the Commission has found that these applications have been insufficiently implemented, leading to interface problems, inefficiencies and error. To remedy the situation, the Commission seeks to understand why these application systems have not been properly adopted, and requires information on suitable measures that would improve and standardise data exchange of border-crossing freight trains. For further information please contact: European Commission DG VII - Transport John Wilson Unit B.2 - Passenger transport (road and rail) and coordination of railways policy 200 rue de la Loi (DM28 4/113) B-1049 Brussels Tel. +32-2-2990200; Fax +32-2-2995887