Text tabled : A7-0367/2011

  Louis Michel (ALDE), in writing. – (FR) With freight transport continually on the up, rail transport has not been able to keep up with the other means of transport, particularly road transport. Despite European Union legislation aimed at halting the decline in the railway sector, its ability to compete with other means of transport is still hampered by problems caused by funding and the inadequate pricing of infrastructure, persistent obstacles to competition and the lack of appropriate regulatory supervision. The railway sector can play an important role in reducing CO2 emissions and in introducing a more sustainable transport network. The railway industry must assume its fair share of modal transport. The rules governing it must be reinforced, harmonised and added to to make the train more attractive for passenger and freight transport. Intermodality needs to be encouraged for both passenger and freight transport. It is also important to tighten up safety rules making them as strict as possible.