The EU Agency for Railways (ERA) is mandated to issue single safety certificates and vehicle (type) authorisations valid in multiple European countries and to ensure an interoperable European Rail Traffic Management System, in the development and implementation of the Single European Railway Area.
ERA Mission
- Make the railway system work better for society
- Contribute to the effective functioning of a Single European Railway Area without frontiers.
Our Vision
The Agency, as a respected authority, will be the engine for change driving the Single European Railway Area.
ERA Values
- Stakeholder focus
- Ethical values commitment
- Legal compliance
- Staff involvement and development
- Everybody’s commitment to quality
- Continuous improvement
- Business continuity
- Information governance
- A culture of sustainability
Tasks
- Promote a harmonised approach to railway safety
- Devise the technical and legal framework in order to enable removing technical barriers, and acting as the system authority for ERTMS and telematics applications
- Improve accessibility and use of railway system information
- Act as the European Authority under the 4th Railway Package issuing vehicle (type) authorisations and single safety certificates, while improving the competitive position of the railway sector.
Why Is a Vision for the Target Railway System Needed?
To have a more efficient and effective functioning of the railway system, including its evolution, a comprehensive inventory of the basic features of the framework is necessary.
A common single vision for the target railway system would serve as a generic guidance for the various initiatives under development to achieve a sustainable transport system.
This framework will allow to:
- Enhance technical and operational harmonisation;
- Ensure multimodal integration;
- Optimise railway transport system with regard to wider economy, and
- Accommodate and incorporate research & innovation.
