Evaluation of the implementation and effects of the Noise Differentiated Track Access Charges (NDTAC) schemes: Call for stakeholder position papers

The European Commission is evaluating the results of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2015/429, setting out the modalities for the application of the charging of the cost of noise effects. This Implementing Regulation provides the legal framework for noise differentiated track access charges (NDTAC) schemes within the European Union. The prime objective of the Implementing Regulation is to:

1. contribute to the improvement of the well-being of the EU citizens; and
2. reduce the risks to the competitiveness of the rail freight sector by incentivising retrofitting through reduced track access charges.

The Commission will, among others, evaluate the implementation and effects of the existing NDTAC schemes. The evaluation will cover a period from the adoption of the Implementing Regulation until present. The Commission will assess in particular the progress of retrofitting of wagons, the balance between bonus deductions and malus payments, the passing on of the incentives from railway undertakings to wagon keepers as well as the cumulative level of bonuses wagons have received from different schemes. Based on the results of the evaluation, the Commission may, if deemed appropriate, decide to revise the framework.

For the purpose of the evaluation the Commission has foreseen four steps of stakeholders’ consultation: two steps under its conduct (Open Public Consultation (OPC) and call for written contributions) and two other steps conducted by a consultant (survey questionnaires and structured interviews).

After the OPC on this topic, which has been conducted in the first half of 2018, the Commission now invites stakeholders to submit their position paper. Position papers can be sent until 1 March 2019 to the following e-mail address: MOVE-NDTAC-EVALUATION-STUDYec [dot] europa [dot] eu (MOVE-NDTAC-EVALUATION-STUDY[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)

Furthermore Ricardo Nederland BV, the consultant supporting the Commission in its evaluation, will be launching surveys for Railway Undertakings and Wagon Keepers/Wagon Owners, and will have a wider interview programme covering these stakeholders as well as infrastructure managers, national authorities, citizens’ associations, and rail equipment manufacturers.

For further questions regarding the potential to participate in the surveys and stakeholder interview programme, please contact Ricardo Nederland BV using the following e-mail address: NDTAC_Evalricardo [dot] com (NDTAC_Eval[at]ricardo[dot]com)