Various parties active in the rail freight transport sector have reached agreement with State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven about an incentives package that is intended to make rail freight transport even more sustainable and attractive.
Among other things, the agreement concerns various measures regarding the substantial reduction of the usage charge, adaptation to the European railway safety system ERTMS and the improvement of the everyday surroundings of people in the vicinity of the rail network.
The incentives package will encourage a modal shift, meaning that it is in line with the climate targets and the Dutch government’s coalition agreement.
The package was adopted in consultation with the rail freight round table. Shippers, rail operators, terminals, ports, railway infrastructure companies, ProRail and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management come together in this platform to confer about the future of rail transport.
State Secretary Van Veldhoven: “Our economy is doing well, which has also led to an increase in freight transport by rail. The participants in this round table work to ensure that as many of these freight streams as possible are directed via rail. This removes pressure on the roads and furthermore results in a smaller environmental footprint. Today, we have taken a major step forward by translating our joint goals for the near future into a single package.”
Chair of the rail freight round table Steven Lak: “This package of incentives marks the start of a whole new approach. It is incredibly important in this context that all parties involved in the rail sector keep their shoulders to the wheel and keep working together. I have seen huge willingness among all the participants, and this package of incentives will give major impetus to freight transport by rail.”
The incentives package will be worked out in further detail within the rail freight round table in the months ahead. The House of Representatives was informed in writing today of the contents of the package.