MEPs celebrate a hard-won deal putting open competition and access to rail infrastructure firmly on track, but warn changes will be gradual.

All-clear in sight for opening railway competition

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domestic EU railway network  was given the green light

after MEPs and negotiators  from the Council

shook hands on a deal on the final  pillar of the Fourth Railway Package.

The Council didn’t want social  obligations for the Members States.

The second item was  under which circumstances

the contract for the new  railway package can be awarded directly,

so no public procurement  but direct award of the new railway contract.

Negotiations to improve  Europe’s railway network

One big headache was how to change the  way public service contracts are awarded.

Under the deal, competitive bidding will now  allow new operators onto the market,

thereby breaking up old monopolies,  but with an exception,

smaller Member States will still  be able to award direct contracts.

Also on the table,  preventing conflict of interest

between rail operators  and infrastructure managers,

better safeguards of train workers rights  and better access for high-speed rail.

They will have greater choice,  as always when the market is opened up.

They will be able to choose between  services and travel arrangements.

And the companies will be able  to offer a range of services.

Member States won the battle  to have long transition periods

and so changes will be gradual  and won't take full effect until 2033.