In a press release dated March 13, 2024, Fercargo unequivocally stated that "the measures adopted by the Government in the last eighteen months have been devastating for the rail freight sector" and are "in stark contrast with the purported goal of transitioning towards a green economy." The association warns that if the current trajectory continues, "the sector is destined to become marginal in both national and cross-border transport systems." To support its argument, Fercargo cites specific cases.
A primary concern raised is the so-called "loco-carri" decree, which cuts the funding introduced in 2021 for the renewal of rolling stock by €70 million from the original €210 million. Fercargo notes that "if this measure remains as is, it will place extreme difficulty on numerous companies that, in light of the decree, had already planned and executed significant investments. It will also lose its function of supporting the renewal of locomotives and wagons."
Further grievances include the suspension for over a year of the "ferrobonus" subsidy, the cut in funds for the 2023 Sconto Pedaggio (Toll Discount), which is a vital measure for the sector, and "the total absence of any form of support for companies in the difficult situation caused by the enormous amount of work on the national railway network related to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), with the activation of numerous construction sites leading to the partial or complete closure of many lines throughout the country."
In this latter case, Fercargo highlights that "this reduction in capacity reaches peaks of 60% in terms of availability of tracks for freight trains, often making it impossible to conduct traffic - with a severe impact on revenues or, at best, an increase in travel distances - with a significant increase in costs. The same negative effect on operators results from the prolonged partial or total closures of the Gotthard and Frejus tunnels, crucial for the transit of goods to Europe, for which no support of any kind is provided."
Fercargo concludes that the government's actions will lead to a paradoxical outcome: "when the infrastructures are finally ready and adequate, they may not be utilized due to the lack of traffic, thus nullifying billions of euros in investments." Therefore, the association urges the Government – and specifically the Ministry of Transport – "to reconsider its positions so far adopted, before the damage becomes irreparable, demanding an urgent intervention to support the sector."
