The Case for Open Rail
Unlocking Sustainable and Competitive Mobility in Europe
A Trainline Whitepaper for Public Authorities, Operators, and Travellers
Key Takeaways
46%
thought of sustainability when planning travel (IT)
0.2%
growth in demand needed to offset double the current comission levels (FR)
18%
of all long-distance trips booked on TL are incremental (ES)
EU Studies
- Business Models and Viability of Open Access Rail Competition in Europe
A comprehensive look at open-access models across the EU and their potential for long-term viability. - Driving the Train Towards Sustainability (El impulso del tren hacia la sostenibilidad)
A report showing how digital distribution like Trainline can accelerate modal shift and decarbonization in Spain. - On the Level of Commission Charged by SNCF for the Distribution of its Train Tickets
A 2025 study analyzing the structural and economic barriers that make independent ticket distribution in France financially unsustainable under current conditions.
Why This Matters
If distribution remains closed or economically unviable:
- Innovation is stifled.
- Consumers face fewer choices and higher prices.
- Rail fails to fulfill its potential as the backbone of decarbonized mobility.
Why Trainline?
Trainline empowers millions of travellers across Europe with real-time information, multilingual access, and seamless cross-border booking. We invest in digital infrastructure that connects people to rail, but this requires fair conditions and technical access.