• Ministers question rail noise bonus

    Negotiations on opening up national railway networks to European competition have hit an unexpected setback. EU transport ministers registered opposition to a proposal contained in the revised EU rail package to offer ‘noise bonuses’ for quieter wagons.

    [mailchimp_signup][/mailchimp_signup]The move was opposed by 11 member states who fear a loss of income from track charges. The revised package also enables lower track charges for trains emitting fewer air pollutants. T&E has argued for a ‘bonus/malus’ approach, as that will not reduce the overall income received by rail infrastructure companies.