On 4th June 2014 in Stockholm (SE), the Platform of Rail Infrastructure Managers in Europe (PRIME) presented the first results of the Platform’s working priorities for 2014.

At the meeting, PRIME presented its first results of the working priorities for 2014 defined by major infrastructure managers and the European Commission services earlier this year: Implementation of the Single European Rail Area, better deployment of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) as well as benchmarking and exchange of best practices amongst infrastructure managers.

On the legislative aspects, PRIME discussed the Recast Directive from 2012 and ongoing processes to complete the implementation foreseen in the directive. Infrastructure managers are important stakeholders in the drafting of the acts, which will directly influence the business of infrastructure management and the completion of the Single European Rail Area.

PRIME also discussed the way ahead to a successful ERTMS and how to ensure better stability, management and deployment of the system. The aim is to create better interoperability in Europe, facilitating seamless cross-border traffic to the benefit of customers, the operators and the end-users such as passengers.

Furthermore, PRIME discussed key performance indicators (KPIs). Creating common KPIs for all rail infrastructure managers in Europe establishes a true foundation for comparison, eventually allowing the benchmarking of performance of infrastructure managers in chosen areas, helping to identify and share best practice. This allows infrastructure managers to learn from each other, develop their businesses and deliver better services and fulfilment of EU policy aims.

PRIME also exchanged views on how the industry can contribute to the future transport policy of the European Commission services, and reconfirmed the intention to continue a close cooperation with the new European Commissioner to be installed in autumn 2014.

Finally, PRIME welcomed two new signatories (CER and Øresundsbro Konsortiet) and elected a new industry Co-Chair of the Platform, Mr Paul Plummer (member of the Board of Network Rail), to carry forward the work of PRIME for the next year in cooperation with the European Commission services.