Introduction to Timetabling

A key element for facilitating the easy access to the European rail network is a harmonised timetabling process for international train path requests. It is RNE’s role to continuously improve and develop this process.
Harmonised procedures and deadlines which are valid for all Infrastructure Managers (IMs) within the RNE network are for the benefit of the entire rail industry. RNE and its member are offering path management processes for the annual and the running timetable:

Pathfinder is a web application provided by RNE to IMs, Allocation Bodies (ABs) and Path Applicants which handles the communication and co-ordination processes for international path requests and path offers. This tool may be used also for placing feasibility studies. As an alternative, a path request form for international train path requests and studies which is accepted by all RNE members may be used. The completed form may be sent to one of the members of the OneStopShop network. Initial requests for international paths in the annual timetable are to be made by the 2nd Monday in April at the latest. By doing so, these path requests will be treated by the IMs according to the articles 18 – 22 of the European directive 2001/14. Applicants may request and obtain international paths for the next annual timetable also after the 2nd Monday in April until eight weeks or more according to the agreed calendar each year before the new timetable starts. Allocation for “Late path requests” will be treated in the order, in which requests were made, but taking a lower priority than initial requests for paths which were made on time. Applicants may request and obtain international paths also during the running timetable. IMs will respond to ad-hoc requests for individual train paths as quickly as possible, and in any event, within five working days. Feasibility studies make a significant contribution to the efficiency of the path management process. They allow applicants’ service plans to be checked for feasibility and, as necessary, taken through further iterations.
The feedback from a feasibility study does not represent any binding commitment to the allocation of paths and does not exempt the applicant from applying for a path in the normal way.