Infrastructure managers are legally obliged to grant non-discriminatory access to their rail network to railway undertakings and any third parties entitled to order train paths. As an independent commission, RailCom ensures non-discriminatory network access and settles disputes.

Basic conditions for network access

Infrastructure managers are required by law to publish their general network access conditions and the basic technical characteristics of the line, such as the profile (gradient), curve radii, length of passing sidings, platform length, category of line, and safety equipment. The technical conditions must be based on the relevant acts and ordinances.

Train path price

Infrastructure managers are entitled to levy a charge for use of their infrastructure (train path price). The train path price must be set on a non-discriminatory basis. This means that infrastructure managers must apply the same rules to the price of train paths for their own use as they apply to third parties, and they must treat all third parties equally under the same conditions.

The train path price is made up of the charge for basic services and the charge for additional services. The basic services comprise a 'minimum access package' and encompass, among other things, use of the train path together with train operating services and the power supply ex catenary. Additional services include, for example, the stabling of trains, the use of marshalling yards, the pre-heating/cooling of train carriages and a water supply.

RailCom settles disputes concerning the calculation of the train path price.