General framework
Market liberalization is progressing
Market liberalization in Europe is progressing in many countries. For example, the French Government plans to open the regional passenger transport market. As an experienced and innovative passenger transport service provider operating in 14 countries, DB Arriva is well positioned for upcoming opportunities and will closely follow developments.
Bus tender process has started in Portugal
The municipality elections took place in Portugal in October 2017, resulting in significant political changes impacting our bus operations. The new bus tendering process in Portugal has started, with the definition of regulations by the public transport authorities. This replaces the current provisional public transport operating licenses, and is expected to be concluded by the end of 2019.
Political changes in the Czech Republic with impact on future public transport
The Czech Republic parliamentary elections were held in October 2017 and brought some political changes that have the potential to impact on future public transport tenders.
The government approved an increase in the minimum wage by 11% in 2017, effective from January 2018, which has led to increases in personnel expenses.
In order to promote an integrated approach to public transport solutions in the rail market, the Ministry of Transport plans to introduce a single tariff across the rail network. The project is currently under way and the rail transport companies, including DB Arriva, are invited to participate on the design phase.
S-Bahn (metro) system in Copenhagen
The Ministry for Transport will present its report on the future organization of the S-Bahn (metro) system in Copenhagen in the late summer. In doing so, the government has commenced an informal tender process and allowed more competition in suburban rail transport. The organization and future operator should be in place by 2020.
The future S-Bahn (metro) system will be driverless, inspired by the local metro system in Copenhagen. Further, there is a focus on the future of sustainable mobility. Congestion has become a significant political issue for parliament, and proposals to introduce road tolls, for example, when the technology is available are being discussed.
There are major issues with the implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), with no political agreement on how the Danish railway authorities (Banedanmark) will deal with that.
Changes in Serbia
The Serbian Government introduced an updated plan to reform the railway in the period 2018 until 2020. The plan introduces a Multi-Annual Infrastructure Contract (MAIC) as a central part of the policy regarding public rail infrastructure. The government also intends to introduce a fee for the use of infrastructure and the provision of public transport services, in support of market competition.