European Union
Rail Transport Thematic Research Summary
As part of the Transport Research Knowledge Centre (TRKC) project of the European Commission's Sixth Framework Programme, the Directorate General for Energy and Transport (DG Tren) has commissioned a Rail Transport Thematic Research Summary to provide a review of results of completed European research projects on rail transport.
The aim of TRKC is to collect, structure, analyse and disseminate transport research project results covering both EU-supported research as well as research financed nationally in the European Research Area (ERA) and through selected global RTD programmes. The main dissemination tool used by TRKC is the web portal at
The Rail Transport Thematic Research Summary consists of two main parts, the first reviews the main policy developments at EU level, whilst the second examines the main findings and policy implications from the research projects reviewed including the implications for further research.
Three sub-themes identified as important in the research are then examined in more detail, these being:
1/. The development, planning and organisation of rail services in Europe for both passenger and freight, including aspects such as the adoption of more suitable transport vehicles, better allocation of scarce network capacity, harmonised systems, greater interoperability and the potential impacts of further liberalisation of the sector.
2/. Rail management systems, focusing on ICT-based tools for the management of maintenance and safety.
3/. Research into improved technology for the rail industry, including technologies relating to rail vehicles, rail infrastructure and train identification, location and control systems.
To view the full 45 page summary document, please follow the link below:
All of the research projects reviewed are European (EU-funded and national) projects that have been completed and for which the results are publicly available. The EU projects have all been funded by the EU's Fourth, Fifth and the Sixth Framework Programmes and a Factsheet detailing the Seventh Framework Programme and the potential opportunities it creates is available to view following the link below: