19/05/2021 (Agence Europe) – The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and several rail industry associations sent a letter to the European Commission, on Tuesday 18 May, urging it to extend Regulation 2020/1429, which allows rail infrastructure managers to waive, reduce or defer infrastructure charges (see EUROPE 12575/36). In force since 7 October 2020, the provision is due to expire at the end of June. However, with revenue losses due to the health crisis estimated by the CER at 50% for passenger transport and up to 97% for international long-distance passenger services, industry stakeholders hope to see this regulation extended, so as to support the rail sector and ensure that it will be able to meet Europe’s targets in terms of modal shift. (TM)