The Platform of Rail Infrastructure Managers in Europe (PRIME) is pleased to announce the release of its sixth benchmarking report, covering the years 2017-2021. The platform was established in 2013 to promote cooperation between infrastructure managers in Europe and foster the rail sector. The report presents key figures and insights on European rail infrastructure managers’ safety, performance, revenues, and expenditures.
About the findings
Despite the severe impact of the pandemic on the transport sector in 2020, the latest PRIME Benchmarking report demonstrates a significant recovery in rail traffic in 2021. Almost all infrastructure managers reported increased passenger train activity, with three companies surpassing their pre-pandemic levels. Freight train utilization also showed positive growth, with half of the infrastructure managers recording higher utilization rates compared to before the pandemic.
While lower utilization had a positive impact on train punctuality in 2020, the punctuality levels decreased in 2021 as train activity returned to normal levels. The report also highlights an overall increase in spending, with OPEX figures rising by 4% and CAPEX by 9% compared to 2020.
Recognized as the mode of transport with the lowest emissions, rail plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of the transport sector and achieving Europe’s goal of becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The European Green Deal emphasizes the increased use of rail as a cornerstone of the EU’s mobility strategy in the coming decades. The PRIME KPI and Benchmarking report also indicates figures on a greener rail industry. Participants increased their share of electrified main track-km by 0.6% compared to 2020, and the use of electricity-powered trains on the network increased by 1%.
About the report
19 participating infrastructure managers, four new performance indicators and a more complete dataset
This year, 19 infrastructure managers took part in the report, in which SŽ-I (Slovenia) participated for the first time. Compared to the first five reports, this edition includes a more complete dataset, less deviating figures, four new performance indicators and more detailed explanations to make the wealth of data more accessible.
Significance extends beyond the benchmarking subgroup
We believe that PRIME data and definitions can serve the needs of a large range of rail experts and policy makers. By measuring and sharing the results, we aim to demonstrate to the wider public that the rail sector is committed to improving its service provision.
Report presenting the recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic
The sixth PRIME Benchmarking Report presents 2021 data and is therefore the second report that reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rail sector. It shows that despite the adverse circumstances brought about by the pandemic, the rail industry is resilient and shows recovery.
About the background
Platform of Rail Infrastructure Managers in Europe (PRIME)
The Platform of Rail Infrastructure Managers in Europe (PRIME) was established between the European Commission’s transport and mobility directorate general (DG MOVE), and rail infrastructure managers in 2013. A central idea behind PRIME is to give infrastructure managers, who are natural monopolies, an opportunity to learn from each other.
The establishment of a network of rail infrastructure managers was proposed by the 4th Railway Package. PRIME has grown significantly since its inception, both in terms of membership and the scope of activities. Alongside the European Commission and ERA, PRIME now has 37 industry members including all main infrastructure managers of EU Member States and of the EFTA members Switzerland and Norway. Four industry associations of European rail infrastructure managers participate as observers. The participation of the main infrastructure managers per country in PRIME is mandatory. Working groups have been set up to address the major topics: safety, KPIs and benchmarking, digitalisation, charging and financing.
The number of infrastructure managers participating in the KPI & benchmarking subgroup has steadily increased. It has currently 24 participants, 21 regular members and 3 organisations in transition.