Translate4Rail wants to remove language barriers on European freight routes

The International Union of Railways (UIC) and RailNetEurope (RNE) have collaborated to try and remove language barriers on rail freight corridors across Europe. Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking has allocated over 248,000 euros for the project.

Through the Translate4Rail project, both organisations are developing a special language tool for free and reliable communication between train drivers. 

Train drivers that operate locomotives on the cross-border connections are now required to obtain a level B1 language certificate. The UIC considers this as “one of the many examples of a lack of a level playing field between different modes”, as the requirement leads to a lack of competent drivers.

To overcome this barrier, the UIC and RNE have launched a joint project, Translate4Rail. Coordinated by the UIC Freight Department, it will last until 30 November 2021. 

According to the European Commission, the main target of the project is “to at least maintain the level of safety, increase the traffic fluidity at borders and to increase the competitiveness of the rail sector.

For more information visit translate4rail.eu

13th March 2020