Politicians, transport experts and businesses criticize European railways, high subsidies in air transport and the apparent lack of political will to tackle it.
In the fight against climate change, the European Commission wants to run twice as many high-speed trains on European lines by 2030 and three times as many high-speed trains by 2050.
It is about reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the transport sector. Much more investment is needed for German rail operator Deutsche Bahn and other European railways to expand high-speed rail in Europe, as the commission foresees.
If the European Union's so-called Green Deal to combat climate change is to succeed, "the EU and member states will have to make significant additional investments and invest in expanding the network across Europe," Deutsche Bahn announced in July.
Infrastructure measures currently planned or under construction are not sufficient to achieve a doubling of high-speed traffic by 2030, the German rail operator said.
EXPENSIVE TRAINS, CHEAP FLIGHTS - "CRASH LANDING" FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION
Climate rail is often more expensive than air travel on the same route, environmental group Greenpeace has concluded after comparing ticket prices for both routes on 112 routes across Europe at multiple booking times.
According to the organization, 71% of rail tickets were more expensive than air tickets, which is more damaging to the climate.
Testers noted the most glaring price difference on the Barcelona-London route, which cost up to €384 ($416.5) by train. That was 30 times more than a plane with a ticket price of €12.99.
“More and more people want to travel by train and avoid flying, but the lack of kerosene tax and other subsidies for the climate-damaging aviation industry distort prices.
"This is an emergency landing for many good intentions and climate protection," said Greenpeace transport expert Marissa Reiserer, calling for a Europe-wide kerosene tax of €0.50 per litre.
This would bring in annual sales of 46.2 billion euros. These funds would have to be channeled into the railway infrastructure.
German Greens politician Anton Hofreiter also called for more expensive flying and repeated his call for a European tax on kerosene.
Rail transport is "subject to various taxes and charges", especially for the use of infrastructure, said Philipp Kosok, an analyst at the German think tank Agora. There is also no centralized site to consult timetables and compare prices.
"At the moment there really isn't a European approach to train travel," said Chris Engelsman, co-founder of the Belgian-Dutch startup European Sleeper, which launched an overnight service between Berlin and Brussels in May.
Another co-founder of the train startup, Adrien Aumon, said: "I realized that it was almost impossible to travel in Europe (without flying). People were being asked to get off planes, but without having to offer them a solution."
His French startup Midnight Trains is working with a night train manufacturer to bring the once-popular Paris-Milan-Venice line back into service in 2025.
MODERNIZATION IS UNDERWAY, BUT CHANGE TAKES TIME
It takes time to reverse insufficient past investments.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the precarious state of railway infrastructure is attributed to the war in the 1990s and insufficient financial investment.
However, Transport Minister Edin Forto has made the construction and revitalization of railway infrastructure - domestically and internationally - a priority of his mandate.
Initial progress was made with the reconstruction of the Sarajevo–Mostar route. New passenger trains capable of a maximum speed of 220 km/h were procured and the project cost about €67.5 million.
The railway line is located on the pan-European corridor 5C, which connects the Hungarian capital Budapest with Ploče in Croatia. This means that more than 50% of the track lies on the territory of Bosnia and needs to be modernized and maintained.
Two main European corridors of the trans-European transport network pass through Slovenia, the Mediterranean corridor and the Baltic-Adriatic corridor.
The transit country has just over 1,200 kilometers of railway lines. Of these, 875 kilometers are still single-track.
However, the need for more intensive investments in the railway infrastructure led to a significant new increase in the country's budget. In 2023, the Slovenian Directorate of Infrastructure can use EUR 423.7 million for railway infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the German government plans to provide national rail operator Deutsche Bahn with billions of euros in additional funding from its climate change and transformation fund.
By 2027, the federally owned railway is to receive 12.5 billion euros from the fund, according to the draft of the new budget of the fund.
The country's rail network is partly dilapidated and in need of major renovation, but it will likely take several years before the measures are noticed by passengers.
Berlin is slowly prioritizing this topic. "We will do everything in our power to continue the huge investment boom in the coming years - with the aim, confirmed in the March coalition decision, to provide additional financing totaling up to 45 billion euros by 2027," says German Transport The minister said Volker Wissing.
At around 38,000 kilometres, the German rail network is the largest and one of the most complex in Europe, and therefore presents particular challenges for operators – such as a high rate of train delays.
This has implications for cross-border travel. Swiss rail operator SBB, for example, has announced that it is using more replacement trains in Basel to offer punctual connections in Switzerland.
Passengers arriving from Germany must then transfer to the next route in Switzerland.
In Switzerland, 93% of trains run on time. A new tool was introduced earlier this year to help improve energy efficiency and accuracy. One hour before departure, SBB calculates the optimal travel strategy based on the weather and traffic situation.
With this tool, train drivers know exactly how many seconds they are running late on their journey so they can take countermeasures.
Not everyone is enthusiastic about plans to expand the rail network.
In June, French police clashed with thousands of protesters who aimed to stop the construction of a new high-speed train line between France and neighboring Italy.
The new line, supported by the EU, should eventually connect the French city of Lyon and the Italian city of Turin through a 57.5 km long tunnel through the Alps. The estimated cost is more than 26 billion euros.
Supporters say it will greatly ease truck traffic, but opponents say it threatens devastating environmental damage and that natural springs have already begun to dry up because of the work.
CONCERN ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE IS LEADING TO A BED TRAIN RENAISSANCE
Night trains have made a comeback in Europe thanks to their low carbon footprint, but after years of neglect, the renaissance is on a roll.
"Operating night trains is very difficult, complex and expensive," said a German analyst at the Kosok think tank, adding that the infrastructure is "overloaded" even at night when freight trains run on the tracks.
Despite these challenges, national rail carriers are giving night trains another chance, while startups are jumping on the bandwagon as climate concerns drive passengers to ditch kerosene-burning planes for cleaner modes of transportation.
Austrian rail operator ÖBB, a pioneer in the industry, has Europe's largest fleet of night trains, serving 1.5 million passengers in sleeper carriages.
The state-owned enterprise at one point considered abandoning its night services, but went in the opposite direction and instead invested in them.
"Our night trains are almost fully booked," said ÖBB spokesman Bernhard Rieder, with summer travel in Europe in full swing. ÖBB operates 20 routes connecting Vienna with other cities throughout Europe.
In 2018, ÖBB ordered 33 new night trains from German conglomerate Siemens to expand its reach and replace part of its aging fleet.
Rieder admits that the quality of her services "isn't always as high as what we want to deliver to our customers these days."
Production stopped, he said, as "there was no demand and no requirement for night trains for over 25 years".
That view is shared by the train startup's two founders: Aumont, who says the service has "deteriorated" over time, and Engelman, who adds that the trains are "not always up to modern standards," blaming "decades of lack of investment."
In Austria, the first trains – with a modern design, more privacy and more showers – are expected to go into operation for ÖBB at the end of this year.
Embarking on a remarkable journey through the heart of Europe's rail networks reveals a fascinating story of transformation where the iron tracks that criss-cross the continent are being developed into greener mobility corridors. This article delves into the intricacies of this journey, exploring the challenges we face, the innovative solutions adopted and the breathtaking landscapes travelers can experience along the way.
European rail networks: paving the way to sustainability:
European rail networks have long been the backbone of the continent's transport infrastructure. However, the demand for more sustainable travel options has prompted these networks to reinvent themselves and adopt environmentally friendly technologies and practices. From electrification initiatives to the incorporation of renewable energy sources, railways are committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
Challenges on the tracks:
The transition to greener mobility was not without problems. The modernization of the existing railway infrastructure, the integration of cutting-edge technologies and the management of the complex logistics of the pan-European network presented significant challenges. Regulatory hurdles and budget constraints have also added to the complexity of this transformation journey.
Innovation leads to change:
In the pursuit of greener mobility, European railways are using a number of innovations. High-speed electric trains, equipped with regenerative braking systems, recover energy during deceleration and supply it back to the grid. Smart signaling systems optimize train routes, reduce energy consumption and travel time. In addition, research into hydrogen trains and biofuels is opening new doors for sustainable rail travel.
Sightseeing routes: A view of the beauty of nature:
Passengers on board European trains are treated to a visual feast of picturesque landscapes. From the snowy Alps to the peaceful beauty of the Scandinavian fjords, the railway journey itself becomes an immersive experience in the lap of nature. As rail networks focus on greener mobility, the protection of these natural wonders is intertwined with the pursuit of sustainability.
Community Engagement and Cultural Enrichment:
In addition to the environmental impact, the transition to greener rail mobility promotes community engagement and cultural enrichment. Local towns and villages along rail routes are experiencing a tourism resurgence as travelers seek authentic experiences. Railways also facilitate cross-border interactions, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among European nations.
A promising drive to a greener future:
As Europe's rail networks navigate their bumpy road to greener mobility, the journey symbolizes a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. Despite the challenges, the transformative efforts of these networks are a testament to the power of sustainable transport. So buckle up and embark on a scenic journey through Europe's railways, where every turn paves the way to a cleaner, greener future.
Discover the dynamic development of European rail networks that are moving towards a more sustainable future. Join us on a thrilling journey through the ups and downs of these complex systems as they incorporate innovative technologies and practices to promote greener mobility across the continent.
Efficient rail routes for eco-conscious travelers:
Immerse yourself in optimized rail routes across Europe, designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize efficiency. Explore high-speed rail corridors that offer fast, convenient and environmentally friendly connections between major cities and reduce passengers' carbon footprint.
Reconstruction of ecological infrastructure:
To reveal the considerable efforts made by European railway authorities to renew their infrastructure. Learn about modernized lines, energy-efficient stations and sustainable materials that contribute to a greener rail network.
Electric and hybrid trains revolutionize travel:
Immerse yourself in the realm of electric and hybrid trains that are revolutionizing the railway industry. Find out how these trains reduce emissions and noise pollution, making rail travel an attractive option for environmentally conscious travellers.
Integration of renewable energy:
Explore the integration of renewable energy sources along rail lines. See how solar panels, wind turbines and regenerative braking systems power trains and stations, while excess energy is fed back into the grid.
Innovations in ticketing and passenger experience:
Learn about digital ticketing systems and data-driven platforms that improve the passenger experience while minimizing paper waste. Find out how smart technologies make the travel process more efficient and contribute to greener mobility.
Cross-border cooperation for sustainable progress:
Discover the joint efforts between European countries to create seamless cross-border rail connections. Explore the international agreements, standardized protocols and shared strategies that pave the way for a greener and more integrated European rail network.
Challenges and prospects for the future:
To recognize the challenges that European rail networks face on their way to greener mobility. Explore solutions being developed to address issues such as interoperability, sustainable project funding and public awareness campaigns.
As we conclude our journey through Europe's rail networks on their journey towards greener mobility, it is clear that the bumps along the way are being smoothed out by innovative strategies, sustainable technologies and joint efforts. The promise of a greener future for rail transport in Europe shines brightly on the horizon, inviting passengers and politicians alike to continue to embrace these transformative changes. Join the movement towards a greener tomorrow by choosing a sustainable rail option across Europe's growing network.
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