Liberalisation of railroad traffic in Belgium: an update 03-11-2011

Transportation of railway freight

In 2005, the transportation of railway freight within Belgium was fully liberalized. This liberalisation of market activities resulted in the gradual introduction of new railway operations on the Belgian railway network. Today, Infrabel is providing train paths to 12 operators, holders of the necessary licences and permits to convey goods and commodities on our railway network. In addition to SNCB Logistics, likewise Captrain, Crossrail, DB Schenker, ERS Railways, Euro Cargo rail, Europorte, Railtraxx, Rotterdam rail feeding, Rurtalbahn Benelux, SNCF Fret and Trainsport have joined the list of railway freight transporters.

Passenger transport

On 1 January 2010, also international passenger transportation was liberalized. In concreto, this means that new operators can now undertake the transportation of passengers amongst the various European Member States, having secured the right to stop at, and use the services of, Belgian train stations. At present, two international passenger operators are active on the Belgian railway network: Eurostar and SNCB Europe. When national passenger transport will be liberalized in Belgium is not yet known. Hence, the SNCB is, for the time being, still maintaining its unique position on the national plane.

Would you like to find out more about our operations and operators? Go take a look at our webpage ‘Our customers’ for further information.