Text 10: The Community of European Railways

The Community of European Railways is the leading European railway organisation and a part of the International Union of Railways. It was founded in 1988 with 12 members and now brings together 72 railway undertakings and infrastructure companies – private and state-owned, large and small.

European Railways recognize that their future depends on the international dimension.

At the international level the railways are relatively free to apply the most appropriate models in the common interest. The development of international train networks is accompanied by recognition of the need to adapt future services to the technological opportunities offered by high speeds and vehicle design and to the principles of service marketing.

The governance structure of CER rests in three main bodies: the General Assembly, the Management Committee and the Assistants Group.

The General Assembly is the decision-making body of CER. All member companies are represented by their chief executive or director general.

The Management Committee prepares the decisions of the General Assembly. It consists of CER Chairman, three Vice-Chairmen and further members elected by the General Assembly. The size of the Management Committee is limited to a maximum of 14 members.

The Assistants Group helps to facilitate the continuous exchange of information between CER and its members. CER members are represented by their international/European affairs managers.

The goals of CER are: 1) to represent the railway’s interests, 2) to aid the development of the railway transportation and policy in the European Union, 3) to develop the partnership between the members of the European Union.

European Railways concentrate their efforts on effective speeds between economic centres, quality control and transit reliability, information systems and modal flexibility.

The development of high-speed lines and technology adds a new dimension to inter-urban opportunities for railway development. Nowadays European high-speed lines link economical centers and open opportunities for technological development of railway signaling, train construction and trading all over the world.

Questions for discussion:

1. What is the Community of European Railways?
2. What are the advantages of European Railways` cooperation?
3. What is the development of international train networks accompanied by?
4. What are the governance bodies of CER?
5. What is the decision-making body of CER?
6. What is the role of the Management Committee?
7. What is the Assistants Group responsible for?
8. What are the goals of CER?
9. What do European Railways concentrate their efforts on?
10. Why is the development of high-speed lines important for the future of the railways?

Appendix

Дата добавления: 2015-10-16