This position paper argues that the UK is moving against both European and global reform trends. Across Europe, competition and liberalisation have consistently delivered lower fares, stronger passenger growth, reduced subsidy and major private investment. Meanwhile, the proposed Railways Bill offers no clear targets for efficiency, cost reduction or passenger growth.  

It is Europe’s chance to get High-Speed Rail (HSR) right: The EU’s new HSR Master Plan by Transport Commissioner Tzitzikostas is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. But new rail infrastructure and subsidies alone will not deliver. 

Europe is investing billions to strengthen its defence readiness. But unless all operators are included, taxpayer-funded rail infrastructure will remain underused and vulnerable. Our new position paper Military Mobility: No Operator Left Behind shows why independent rail companies - proven agile in times of crisis - must be part of Europe’s military mobility strategy.

Discover ALLRAIL’s 7 pillars for dual-use rail: from cross-border harmonisation to private sector engagement, and from civil-military integration to fair governance. Together they form a blueprint for resilience on rails - one that serves both defence and citizens.

The EU Commission or EU Member States as rolling stock assets managers is not the solution. Instead, the involvement of more private investment will help to both finance and operate a higher number of long-distance passenger rail departures and meet the growing demand for passenger rail services.

ALLRAIL welcomes the EU Commission’s Proposal for a Regulation on the Use of Railway Capacity in the Single European Railway Area (SERA). This proposal comes at a timely juncture to amend and complement Directive 2012/34/EU in order to take into account major developments that have occurred in European rail transport since the adoption of the aforementioned Directive.