"Timetable Redesign" (TTR) for optimal capacity management (TTR for Smart Capacity Management) is a project to review the current passenger and freight timetabling process defined in synergy between RailNet Europe (Infrastructure Managers) and Forum Train Europe (Railway Undertakings), in collaboration with the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA) and also shared with European institutional bodies (European Commission, Ministries, Regulatory Bodies), aimed at improving the degree of standardisation and efficiency of the railway system.

The aim of the project is, in the passenger section, to respond promptly to the needs of applicants, to plan services in advance each year (comparable to air competitors) and, for the goods business, to achieved greater flexibility and quality for requests during the current timetable period (Rolling Planning).

In the first instance, the Infrastructure Manager is called upon to define, in agreement with all stakeholders through medium-long term models (Capacity strategy and Capacity Model), the methods for allocating overall capacity.

Moreover, the Temporary Capacity Restrictions (TCR) are considered, for which international coordination mechanisms and publication at predefined time intervals are also taken into consideration.

In order to coordinate activities to facilitate the implementation of the project and the new processes at national level, each Manager has appointed a National TTR Manager.

For RFI the National TTR Manager is Marco Gatta: m.gatta@rfi.it   

On the basis of a harmonised timetable defined at RNE level, RFI will implement the project at national level, following a test phase in order to evaluate the new approach and make appropriate changes for a correct realization of the project itself. The new approach will be adopted progressively, taking into account the procedural steps and the fundamental elements of the process, listed below.

Capacity Strategy

Long-term capacity planning phase for the whole or part of the railway network or for specific lines.

Capacity model (with Capacity partitioning)

Phase of detailed definition of demand forecasts and capacity allocation, on the basis of the market needs identified.

Capacity Planning & publication of Capacity Supply

Phase of determination of the available capacity, through the creation of a capacity diagram that discloses all the elements (temporary capacity reductions and commercial needs).

Temporary Capacity Restrictions (TCRs)

International coordination of temporary capacity reductions as key factor for the provision of reliable information about capacity, so as to make rail operation possible even in presence of limitations in the lines.

For further information on the TTR project, on the main components of the project and on the implementation phases, please refer to the RNE TTR website.

The capacity strategy describes the basic principles of capacity management and traffic flows planning and is drawn up, as part of the collaboration in the European "TTR for Smart Capacity Management" programme, for each timetable year in the national language and in English in accordance with the requirements of the international programme.

It can be found, referring to timetable 2025/2026, as well the national capacity Strategies, at the following link to the TTR dedicated section of RNE website.