However, rail has characteristics which could make it an increasingly attractive form of transport in Europe. Many possibilities already exist for improving and developing services, and new areas of opportunity may open up. To meet these challenges, the Community needs a new kind of railway. For the railways to flourish, clear financial objectives and a proper division of responsibilities between the State and the railways are essential. The railways must have a financial structure that allows effective, independent management.
Integration is far from complete.
Railway workers are concerned that restructuring may cause job losses, both in the railways and in the supply industries. 242 final, not yet published Commission communication of 29 May 1997 on trans-European rail freight freeways. It underlines the need to improve the distribution of train paths, establish a tariff structure which reflects relevant costs, reduce delays at frontiers and introduce quality criteria. The Commission lists the actions to be taken with a view to setting up freeways.