The Platform of Rail Infrastructure Managers in Europe (PRIME) is pleased to announce the release of its eighth benchmarking report, covering the years 2019-2023. Established in 2013, PRIME aims to promote cooperation and exchange among infrastructure managers across Europe and fostering knowledge in the rail sector. This report presents essential figures and insights regarding the safety, performance, revenues, and expenditures of European rail infrastructure managers
About the findings
Covering the years 2019-2023, this report presents comprehensive data from a particularly dynamic and impactful period in the European railway sector. It reflects on how the sector responded to significant events, including the outbreak and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine in 2022. Coupled with economic challenges such as surging inflation rates, these events have had profound effects on the rail sector.
After the lifting of nearly all travel restrictions in 2022, train activity returned to pre-pandemic levels, with some infrastructure managers even surpassing their 2019 figures. Passenger numbers, however, remain slightly below pre-pandemic levels, likely due to changes in mobility patterns, such as the rise of remote work and ongoing health concerns. While freight train activity was less impacted by the pandemic overall, there was a noticeable decline in the Baltic states during this period. This trend, which had already begun, accelerated with the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Investing in rail infrastructure is crucial for maintaining high standards and improving rail performance, but it has become more challenging amid high inflation rates. Capital expenditures (CAPEX) have increased by 43% in nominal terms, corresponding to a 14% increase in real terms. This sustained rise in CAPEX, both in nominal and real terms, reflects a growing number of large-scale renewal and enhancement projects. Operational expenditures (OPEX) saw a more moderate nominal increase of 19%, but in real terms, this represents a 6% decrease.
Despite these challenges, rail transport continues to maintain its reputation as one of the greenest and safest modes of transport. Infrastructure managers are actively working to improve these aspects further. In terms of sustainability, the proportion of electric trains has increased by an average of 2%. Regarding safety, there has been a slight increase in significant accidents on average between 2019 and 2023, although accident rates remain low. However, it is important to note that due to the generally low numbers, individual events can have a disproportionately large impact on the average.
About the report
22 participating infrastructure managers and a more complete dataset
This year, an unprecedented number of 22 infrastructure managers took part in the report. Compared to the first seven reports, this edition includes a more complete dataset, less deviating figures and for the first time, an inflation-adjusted analysis of financial performance indicators.
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 complete time series of the COVID-19 impacts
This year’s report covers the period from 2019 to 2023, providing the most comprehensive assessment of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to date. It begins 2019 as the last full year before the pandemic, follows the outbreak in 2020 and the resulting travel restrictions, and continues through 2022, when most restrictions were lifted. By 2023, nearly all pandemic-related effects had been mitigated.
First report accounting for the effects of inflation
Another major challenge for infrastructure managers between 2019 and 2023 was inflation. Rising prices forced them to reassess investment priorities, balancing operational performance with the need for long-term, sustainable network development. It is essential to distinguish between cost increases driven by general price level changes and those representing real-term cost growth. The nominal and inflation-adjusted analysis of financial performance indicators in this report provides the necessary insights.
About the background
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 currently has 24 participants, 23 of whom are active members.
PRIME External Report 2023