THE International Union of Railways (UIC) has announced plans to create a Night Train Working Group within its Intercity and High-Speed Committee.
The group aims to build a partnership between night train operators, implementing standards for coaches and sales systems, strengthening the economic situation for night trains, and specifying path fees or track access charges.
The decision to create the group was made on June 23 at the UIC Intercity and High-Speed Committee meeting. UIC members are encouraged to join the new group, and to submit an expression of interest by July 30. Members are also able to express interest in being either chair or co-chair of the new working group, which will begin its activities after the summer.
The group will work closely with other working groups within the UIC’s Passenger Department, Rail System Department and other UIC platforms.
The new group will be able to share best practice and develop common projects and standards in rolling stock, operations, cross-border business, corridors, economic models and on-board services.
The group’s formation comes amidst growing demand for low-carbon transport such as long-distance rail. A network of 15 domestic overnight trains, some of which will cross borders, and 15 international trains are planned in Europe by 2030. This network could carry 10 million passenger per year, according to the UIC.
