Manual for establishing and managing quality in international combined transport

Summary

UIC Leaflet 293 sets out a framework for the introduction of combined transport quality systems and the development of joint systems by railway undertakings. It proposes a structured approach to adopting a quality management programme in combined transport and draws on practical examples of pro-active quality control measures such as the Brenner Service Centre (Germany - Austria - Italy) and quality labelling initiatives on a series of European routes.

To succeed in an international context, quality management must be borne of a joint approach adopted by railway companies. This leaflet on quality advises European railways to cooperate closely when crafting quality management systems. The measures proposed are based on effective monitoring of trains, a reliable communications chain being put in place between railways and their customers and systematic analysis of performance. The latter should lead to action being taken to enhance the calibre of services provided in line with the specific circumstances at hand.