The Case for Open Rail
Unlocking Sustainable and Competitive Mobility in Europe
A Trainline Whitepaper for Public Authorities, Operators, and Travellers
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.
Key Takeaways
1. Independent distributors are essential to a competitive and transparent railway market.
Without them, consumers lose access to real price comparison, cross-operator ticketing, and multimodal integration.
2. A viable commission model and access to real-time data are non-negotiable.
The absence of FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) principles in commission rates and the lack of technical cooperation from dominant operators severely limit the ability of independent players to operate sustainably.
3. Open access works, but only under fair rules.
New entrants need regulatory certainty, guaranteed access to paths and digital channels, and a level playing field with incumbents.
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.