The Platform of Rail Infrastructure Managers in Europe (PRIME) is pleased to announce the release of its seventh benchmarking report, covering the years 2018-2022. 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 2018-2022, 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 impacts on the rail sector.
After the lifting of nearly all travel restrictions in 2022, train activity almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, with some infrastructure managers even exceeding their 2019 figures. However, European data shows that passenger numbers have not fully recovered, possibly due to changes in mobility patterns such as the rise in remote work and ongoing health concerns. While freight train activity was less impacted by the pandemic overall, there was a notable decrease in the Baltic states in this period. This trend, already underway, accelerated following the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, rail transport continues to uphold its reputation as one of the greenest and safest modes of transport. Infrastructure managers are actively working to further improve these aspects: In terms of sustainability, the proportion of electric trains has increased by an average of 2%. Regarding safety, there have been significant improvements in safety measures, with an average 7% reduction in accidents.
Investing in rail infrastructure is essential for maintaining high standards and improving rail performance. While operational costs have remained relatively stable, capital expenditures have increased by almost 10%. Although these expenditures have nominally risen, their impact has been moderated by inflationary pressures affecting critical materials like steel and energy.
About the report
21 participating infrastructure managers and a more complete dataset
This year, an unprecedented number of 21 infrastructure managers took part in the report, in which EVR (Estonia) participated for the first time. Compared to the first six reports, this edition includes a more complete dataset, less deviating figures and one new performance indicator for sustainability.
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 2018 to 2022 and presents the most complete picture of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic so far. It begins with the outbreak in 2020 and the associated travel restrictions and continues through to 2022, when almost all restrictions were lifted.
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 has currently 24 participants, 22 regular members and two organisation in transition.