It is not a solicitation, but a real one the one addressed to the government by FerCargo. The association, which since 2009 has been representing new entrant freight railway undertakings In fact, it calls for "an urgent change of course" of the executive which - according to FerCargo - is "guilty of have taken measures that not only have a devastating effect on the sector, but which are also in stark contrast to the the apparently shared goal of moving towards a "green" economy" through the growth of rail transport. Continuing on the path taken in recent months - he denounced today the association in a note - the sector is instead of becoming marginal in the transport system both both national and cross-border'.

The change of course should start - specified FerCargo - from the lifting of the cut in funding to support the purchase of rolling stock: 'the "Loco-wagon Decree", measure adopted as early as 2021 and definitively ratified a few months ago - the association complained - due to A recent decision by the executive has seen a reduction, compared to the €125 million envisaged, by as much as €70 million; If this measure remains worded in this way, it will put the in extreme difficulty the many companies which, in the light of the had already planned and implemented large amounts of investments, as well as losing its function of supporting the renewal of the locomotive and wagon fleet'.

But FerCargo's disappointment is not limited to this cut in resources to support the rail cargo sector: "This - underlined the association - is unfortunately only the latest initiatives that threaten to undermine freight transport on iron. In fact, they remember - FerCargo clarified - the interruption for more than one year of the application of the Ferrobonus measure and the cut for 2023 of the funds allocated to the "Toll Discount", vital measure for the sector. Not to mention the total lack of any form of support for businesses in difficult times. This situation is caused by the enormous amount of work on the network linked to the PNRR, with the activation of numerous construction sites that lead to the partial or complete closure of many lines across the country. This reduction in capacity - has highlighted FerCargo - reaches peaks of 60% in terms of availability of train paths for freight trains, and involves many the impossibility of carrying out trafficking - with a impact on revenues or, at best, a Increased mileage - with a sharp increase in costs. The the same negative effect on operators that arises as a result of the prolonged partial or total closures of the Gotthard and Frejus, which are essential for the transit of goods to Europe, which are not provided for supports of any kind'.

"The consequence of this distorted transport policy - recriminated the association - it will be paradoxical: when will be ready and adequate, in fact, the infrastructures may not be be used due to the lack of traffic, frustrating the Billions of euros of investment in the way."

FerCargo therefore called on the government, in particular the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, "to review the positions adopted so far, before the damage becomes irreparable, asking for an intervention that can no longer be postponed in support of the sector'.