Central European Forum of Railway Operators

OLTIS Group took part in the Central European Forum of Railway operators which was organized by Railway Market Forum and took place on 18th June 2009 in Warsaw, Poland. Motto of the conference was „Effectiveness of activities and market consolidation in times of crisis”.

Speakers of Polish Railways as well as representatives of ZSSK Cargo, CER, OKD Doprava, DB Schenker Rail and polish Ministry of Infrastructure participated in the conference.

The discussion aimed at fees for using the railway transport corridors arises always during the meeting of these two parties. Freight forwarders suppose the fees to be too high and Ministry argues that the increase is necessary, as the fees will cover the costs for maintenance the railway lines. And the average speed of trains would be decreased without the quality railway lines.

Also the meeting of PKP Cargo representatives with private freight forwarders is always full of emotions. It is because of the monopolistic practices of the main polish national forwarder, who announced restructuring and planned redundancy of 7000 employees.

Except of very interesting lectures and discussions there was also a space for contacts establishment and negotiations with companies from railway branch.