Réseau Ferré de France grants national rail network capacities and strives to optimise their use. Here are the steps you need to take to order train paths.
order train paths
Capacity granting process
We are constantly concerned with granting our clients train paths that best meet their expectations, all while optimising network use. To do this, we give preference to close ties with requesting parties so that we can best anticipate their needs through :
feasibility studies,
orders.
Train paths are granted according to a specific timetable :
Reservation calendars
Feasibility study
The feasibility study is done before the train path is ordered. It enables us to understand our clients’ priorities and to give them a preliminary response.
We recommend conducting a feasibility study for any request for more than four daily train paths on a section of a line planned for capacity allocation. Under some circumstances (planned service shuffling, opening a new line), the feasibility study is mandatory.
The feasibility study may be requested depending on the dates set out in the Rail network statement.
A feasibility study is not a firm train path proposal and does not exempt the requesting party from placing a formal order to reserve them.
Train path order
Are you a Réseau Ferré de France client that would like to reserve train paths?
The train paths you want to order may already be featured in Réseau Ferré de France’s freight train path catalogue.
To make freight transport easier, we put together this train path catalogue, which can be used to order and reserve train paths.
2011 train path catalogue_FR (Excel, 5 MB)
2012 train path catalogue_FR (Excel, 4.5 MB)
If the train paths you want to reserve are not in the catalogue, we can offer you a taylor-made train path.
Search or request a feasibility study or order train paths:
| National train path | Do you have a user name and password? Log into our extranet now to access a "Train Path Form" You do not have an access code? Request one at the one-stop-shop |
| International train path | Log into our reservation system Pathfinder Or fill in the request form and return it to the one-stop-shop |
To request a feasibility study or order your train paths, see:
National request manual
International request manual
Capacity granting calendars
Who can order train paths?
The following groups may request train paths:
railway undertakings and international groups of railway undertakings that may be eligible for network access,
infrastructure managers, infrastructure capacity allocation organisations or groups of infrastructure managers from other European Union member states.
Train paths may also be ordered by other players that wish to provide them to the rail companies that conduct their transport services:
combined goods transport operators,
public authorities that organise freight transport service on the national railway network, including port authorities that manage port railways connected to this network,
public authorities and related groups with a view to concluding contracts including freight transport services for their own needs,
the Syndicat des transports d’Ile-de-France (Greater Paris Transport Authority) and the public authorities that will organise a public passenger transport service on the national railway network.
See article 19 of the decree dated 7 March 2003 for the reference text.
