#2003-194Decree No. 2003-194 on the Use of the National Rail Network
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The Decree n° 2003-194, enacted on March 7, 2003, regulates the use of the national rail network in France, emphasizing non-discriminatory access for railway companies and international groupings that meet specific criteria. It establishes rights regarding infrastructure usage, necessary certifications, safety requirements, and access to essential facilities, while fostering fair competition among service providers. The decree aims to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of railway transportation, ultimately benefiting both service providers and users.
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Key Changes
- Established non-discriminatory access rights for European rail companies to the national rail network.
- Defined minimum and complementary service provisions for railway companies.
- Introduced safety certification requirements for companies operating on the rail network.
Obligations
What this law requires
Réseau ferré de France must ensure non-discriminatory access to the national rail network for all eligible railway companies and international groupings that meet Article 3 conditions, including access lines to terminals and ports defined in the annex.
Railway companies must obtain a railway company license from the transport minister (or competent EU member state authority) before operating freight and/or passenger transport services on the national rail network.
Railway companies must obtain a safety certificate from the transport minister for the specific services and lines they intend to operate before commencing operations.
Réseau ferré de France and SNCF must provide minimum service requirements without discrimination, including: infrastructure capacity requests processing, signaling, traffic regulation, train management, communication, and information provision concerning train operations.
Réseau ferré de France and SNCF must provide complementary and ancillary services without discrimination whenever they provide such services, including traction current supply, fuel supply, maneuver services, telecommunications network access, and technical inspections.