MEPs Vote To Reject Forced Opening Of Passenger Rail Travel In Single Market

We are writing to let you know that the Fourth Railway Package suffered a setback in the vote in the European Parliament in February 2014. Our campaigning is definitely having some effect.

Crucially, MEPs voted by a large majority to oppose the forced opening up of rail passenger travel in the single market, which would mean that future governments have a choice about how to run their passenger services, including opting for public ownership. MEPS also voted for protections for workers so that operators would have to ensure decent employment and working conditions, complying with collective agreements in place, and more stringent requirements to justify the tendering of public service contracts (e.g. in regard to efficiency).

But we still need to keep up the pressure as there are more negotiations to come, and initial signs from the European Commission are disappointing. The EC has the power to support amendments to the package, propose new changes or withdraw the proposals.

You can find out more here.

The Action for Rail campaign will be in touch with more updates and actions in the near future.

Thank you for your ongoing support