Shaping the future of European rail : regulation, digitalisation, and fair competition

The European rail sector is experiencing a rapid transformation thanks to digitalisation. At the same time, policymakers and industry stakeholders navigate the challenges of regulation, digitalisation, and fair competition. From redefining ticket distribution and embracing multimodal mobility to ensuring balanced oversight and fostering innovation. These are central themes for shaping the future of rail travel across Europe. This issue of Network Industries Quarterly focuses on the role of digital platforms in shaping transport in Europe. In his contribution, entitled “Regulating Railway Ticket Distribution: What is at Stake?”, Prof. Juan Montero provides a clear picture of the context of the progressive change that rail transport has undergone. Elodie Petrozziello’s contribution, entitled ‘The Multimodal Digital Mobility Services Initiative – From the Train to the Platform,’ provides an overview of the potential legal and policy frameworks. Federico Catania, in his piece entitled ‘Beyond the tracks: digital ticketing, fair competition and the future of European rail’, flags the benefits of competition and of using intermediary platforms, both for passengers and transport operators. Last, Sophie Lombard, in her piece entitled ‘Improving client experience through ticketing: current state of play and way forward’, navigates among the existing obligations for rail service providers and calls for a balanced regulatory approach, avoiding demanding obligations on operators.