Helping put passengers on European trains

At the European Passengers'​ Federation conference in Maastricht, I opened with a simple story often attributed to President Kennedy. When asked what he was doing, a janitor at NASA reportedly replied: “I’m helping put men on the moon.” 

This is the essence of a strong public mission and sense of purpose. At the European Union Agency for Railways, delivering results for citizens is always a chain effort, where every role matters. Not just knowing what we do - but understanding why we do it and having the end customer always in mind. 

In Maastricht we did not discuss about putting men and women on the moon, but about something challenging in its own way: delivering a Single European Railway Area that is seamless, safe, reliable, affordable - and sustainable. A railway system that truly works for passengers. 

Because passengers don’t think in terms of regulations, directives, TSIs, CSMs, ERTMS, RINF, EVR or TAP. They simply expect the system to work. 

At ERA, we don’t run trains and we don’t sell tickets. But like in the story, every day, together, we contribute to that mission:

• Seamless journeys – trains that don’t stop at borders, enabled by harmonised specifications and ERTMS
• Digital experience – improving ticketing and user information through telematics
• Inclusiveness – accessibility embedded as a system requirement through PRM TSI
• Affordability – reducing costs through harmonisation, standardisation, and stable frameworks
• Safety – continuously strengthened together with all railway actors 

The EU Youth Dialogue organised alongside the event was a powerful reminder that young people believe in rail. Their ideas and expectations are essential for a true rail renaissance in Europe. And Maastricht itself is a place of European commitments that make a difference. 

Our commitment is to help put passengers on European trains that are safe, reliable, affordable - and seamlessly crossing borders. 

Congratulations to the EPF and their partners from BEUC - The European Consumer Organisation and the European Disability Forum for this event!

This article is part of On Track with the Director, offering a personal window into the thoughts, insights and experiences of Oana Gherghinescu, Executive Director of ERA.