The Government approved the draft Rail Transport Code on August 25. The new Code seeks to eliminate the monopoly on the railway services market of the state-owned company Moldova Railways. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development said that the railway infrastructure will continue to belong to the state, while traction, passenger and freight services may be provided by private operators.

"Rail transport operators will have the right to access the railway infrastructure against payment for use. The payment will be determined according to a calculation methodology approved by the cabinet. The purpose of this payment is to cover infrastructure management costs. Rail transport operators will be able to provide services at a price set by themselves", the project's information note reads.

The state will be able to examine the compensation of certain expenses and investments made by rail passenger transport operators. The proposed draft will provide for more rigorous mechanisms to protect passengers' rights and thus ensure the quality of transport services.

Additionally, the draft provides for the establishment of the Railway Authority as a monitoring body for this sector. The regulator will implement and enforce rail transport policies and will guarantee railway safety. The regulator will have supervisory powers, it will issue rail transport authorizations to railway enterprises and permits to train drivers. In addition, the Railway Authority will carry out safety certification and licensing.

The draft Code will now be submitted to Parliament for review and adoption.