The recent approval by Romania’s Commission for the Examination of Foreign Direct Investments (CEISD) has paved the way for RTI Railtrans to officially enter the country’s rail freight market through the acquisition of 50 per cent of local operator EP Rail. The decision, endorsed under the coordination of the Romanian Competition Council, not only validates a transaction of strategic significance but also signals growing confidence in the potential of Romania’s rail sector to attract international investment.
RTI Railtrans, part of the logistics ecosystem developed by Richardi Transport within Slovakia’s AZC Group, already operates across Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany. With a fleet of 23 locomotives, more than 2,500 wagons and an annual volume of 8 million tonnes transported, the company’s move into Romania represents a natural extension of its trans-European logistics network. Through the acquisition of EP Rail — a local operator recognised for its flexibility and customer-oriented approach — RTI aims to strengthen its regional footprint and link Romania more closely with Central and Western Europe’s freight corridors.
The transaction’s strategic relevance extends beyond market expansion. It is also a reflection of shifting dynamics within the European freight industry, as the EU continues to encourage the transfer of goods from road to rail. For Romania, the arrival of RTI Railtrans could trigger a new phase of consolidation and modernisation in the sector, driving competition, investment and service innovation.
In this context, we spoke with Roman Rapant, CEO of RTI Railtrans, about the company’s growth strategy, its recent entry into the Romanian market, and its broader vision for sustainable and customer-driven rail logistics in Central and Eastern Europe.
“RTI was a Greenfield project that caught my attention right from the start.”
Railway PRO: Mr Rapant, how would you describe your professional journey leading up to the position of CEO at Railtrans International, and which moments have been most defining in your railway career?
Roman Rapant: RTI was a Greenfield project that caught my attention right from the start, so I decided to join. I can say that it was also the most defining moment in my railway career. I was given the trust and freedom by the shareholders to build the company, so I see RTI as my own child.
“Uniqueness, innovation, and a strong customer-oriented approach.”
RTI Railtrans has become one of the key railway operators in Central Europe. What strategy has enabled the company to grow in such a highly competitive and regulated market?
RR: As I mentioned, first and foremost it was the support from the shareholders and the trust they placed in me, as well as the freedom to create a strategy. One of the key points in the strategy was uniqueness, innovation, and a strong customer-oriented approach. I think these were the key factors in our success.
“Romania is a key market in one of our expansion directions.”
This year, RTI entered the Romanian market by acquiring 50% of EP Rail. What motivated this decision, and how do you see Romania’s position within RTI’s wider European logistics network?
RR: RTI has been expanding in several directions in Europe for some time, and Romania is a key market in one of our expansion directions. We want to significantly strengthen our position on the Romanian market, focus on infrastructure projects, and create a base for further expansion here.
“EP Rail will operate as an independently managed and growing company.”
How will EP Rail be integrated into RTI’s operational structure, and what concrete benefits will Romanian customers experience as a result of this partnership?
RR: We cannot say that EP Rail will be integrated into RTI’s operational structure. EP Rail will operate as an independently managed and growing company on the Romanian market, but it should benefit from the advantages we offer, such as strong international connections, support in the railcar business, and financial backing. For customers, we would like to bring communication and optimisation standards that we know from other Western markets.
“We are striving to apply the challenges arising from the Green Deal.”
In recent years, the European railway sector has undergone rapid transformation — liberalisation, digitalisation, and the green transition. How is RTI positioning itself in relation to these challenges and opportunities?
RR: RTI is a part of these processes within the EU. Even though rail is the greenest way of transport for goods, we are striving to apply the challenges arising from the Green Deal to the maximum extent possible.
“We have several infrastructure projects in the pipeline.”
What investments or specific projects do you plan to develop in Romania in the medium and long term? Are there plans for acquisitions, new rolling stock, logistics terminals, or partnerships with local operators?
RR: RTI is ready to invest in the Romanian market. We have several infrastructure projects in the pipeline that should strengthen our market position, which is one of our priority objectives. At the same time, we are planning to invest in our wagon fleet, and we would also like to bring new and innovative wagons and technologies to the market.
“Part of our philosophy of sustainability and energy efficiency is modern locomotives with recuperation.”
What is RTI’s philosophy regarding sustainability and energy efficiency in rail transport? Have you already implemented green solutions within your current operations?
RR: Part of our philosophy of sustainability and energy efficiency is modern locomotives with recuperation, which we already have as standard. At the same time, we are members of a European project for digital automatic coupling (DAC), which should be part of the future European railway. The green transformation includes various types of measures, from transport itself to its organisation and management to internal company processes. Our company has a team of people working on implementing such projects in practice.
“We have built an internal infrastructure and management system.”
RTI is active in several countries — Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. How do you manage to coordinate such a transnational network while maintaining consistent standards of quality and safety?
RR: We have built an internal infrastructure and management system for this purpose. Individual countries have their own management, and above that is the group management, which is responsible for the functioning of the group as a whole.
“We see every situation as a challenge and an opportunity.”
How do you see the evolution of the freight railway market in Central and Eastern Europe over the next five years, and what role will Romania play in this landscape?
RR: Given the current political and economic situation in Europe, it is very difficult to predict the next five years. But as a company, we are very flexible and able to adapt to the current situation, and we see every situation as a challenge and an opportunity. Given its strong connection to the sea, Romania will certainly be an important part of Central and Southeastern European trade policy.
“Our main goal is customer satisfaction.”
What message would you like to send to your partners and to Romanian railway operators who now see RTI as a new influential player on the market?
RR: We don’t need to send any message to our partners and railway operators. I think they know us well and know that we are a serious company operating according to European standards. First and foremost, we will be looking for opportunities for cooperation with the aim of further development, creating synergies, and increasing the level of service for customers. We will do everything we can to achieve our main goal, which is customer satisfaction.
Share on:
