Brussels, 21/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - The rail sector, which has come out of the volcano ash crisis “intact”, has joined the current debate on the future of European transport policy. In a press release published on Wednesday 19 May, CER (Community of European Railways) Executive Director Johannes Ludewig, said rail could become the main passenger transport choice on local links and for long distance travel. He called on European leaders to engage in this challenge. “If Europe sets the right priorities today, rail can become the main passenger transport choice on distances of up to 1,000 km in the near future”, he said. Ludewig went on to add: “We know where the system can be improved, but we emphasise that more interoperability and better rail corridors require a long-sighted political commitment”. In the same press release, published the day after the European Parliament debate on the consequences of air traffic disturbance caused by the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, the CER highlighted the fact that rail's response was effective. The railway's response to the volcanic ash crisis was determined and effective and provided a reliable and safe solution to passengers, Ludewig said. Taking part in the debate, Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas was more reserved than the CER and a large number of MEPs regarding the current capacity of European railways. “There were additional trains, but the information about availability, timetables and others things remain, so far, very poor”, he said, adding that one of the Commission's “biggest priorities” would be to ensure better information. “If there is a crisis in aviation, then bringing passengers home or taking them to destinations will still mainly be in the hands of airlines”, he said, although he did add that it was very important for other modes of transport to be taken into account in the planning stage with contingency plans developed by each airline. (A.By./transl.jl)