OBS_VALUE: Rail freight transport services can only be provided after the grant of an licence by the regulator. The operation of tail transport operated as a public service is prohibited to private companies and other entities of the same nature, except under concession regime (Decree-Law 88-A/1997).At the EU level, see Directive 2012/34/EU of 21 November 2012 establishing a single European railway area, Articles 16-25.