Calculation and modulation of direct unit costs

1. The infrastructure manager shall calculate average direct unit costs for the entire network by dividing the direct costs on a network-wide basis by the total number of vehicle kilometres, train kilometres or gross tonne kilometres forecasted for or actually operated.

Alternatively, if the infrastructure manager demonstrates to the regulatory body referred to in Article 55 of Directive 2012/34/EU that the values or parameters mentioned in paragraph 2 are significantly different for different parts of its network, and after splitting its network into such parts, the infrastructure manager shall calculate average direct unit costs for the parts of its network by dividing the direct costs for these parts by the total number of vehicle kilometres, train kilometres or gross tonne kilometres forecast for or actually operated. The period of the forecast may cover several years.

In order to calculate the average direct unit costs, the infrastructure manager may use a combination of vehicle kilometres, train kilometres or gross tonne kilometres provided this method of calculation does not alter the direct causation link with the operation of the train service. Without prejudice to Article 3(3), the infrastructure manager may apply outturn or forecast costs.

2. Member States may allow the infrastructure manager to modulate the average direct unit costs to take into account the different levels of wear and tear caused to the infrastructure according to one or more of the following parameters:

train length and/or number of vehicles in the train;

train mass;

type of vehicle, in particular its unsprung mass;

train speed;

traction power of the motorised unit;

axle weight and/or axle numbers;

recorded number of wheel flats or the effective use of equipment to protect against wheel slips;

longitudinal stiffness of vehicles and horizontal forces impacting on the track;

consumed and measured electric power or the dynamics of pantographs or contact shoes as a parameter to charge for the wear and tear of the overhead wire or the electric rail;

track parameters, in particular radii;

any other cost related parameters where the infrastructure manager can demonstrate to the regulatory body that values for each such parameter, including variation to each such parameter where relevant, are objectively measured and recorded.

3. A modulation of the direct unit costs shall not result in an increase of the direct costs on a network-wide basis as referred to in Article 3(1).

4. Additional costs incurred by the diversion, scheduled or otherwise, of trains at the instigation of the infrastructure manager shall not be included in the direct costs incurred by the operation of these train services. The first sentence shall not apply if the railway undertaking is reimbursed for those additional costs by the infrastructure manager or the diversion resulted from a coordination procedure in accordance with Article 46 of Directive 2012/34/EU.

5. The total number of vehicle kilometres, train kilometres, gross tonne kilometres or a combination of those used for the purposes of the calculations made under this Article shall be measured or forecast on the basis of the reference period referred to in Article 3(5).

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/909 of 12 June 2015 on the modalities for the calculation of the cost that is directly incurred as a result of operating the train service