If you seek to mend and invigorate Europe’s railways, the key is to immerse yourself in the experience and witness everything – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. With this notion at heart, cross-border rail enthusiast Jon Worth, who is also a prolific writer on the subject of rail travel improvement in Europe, has embarked on a mission to uncover the obstacles facing railway lines across the continent.
In an interview with Euractiv, Worth underscored that while the European Union has grand and ambitious plans for the expansion and enhancement of rail services, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
The EU’s vision of doubling high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and rail freight by 2050, as outlined in the ‘Sustainable & Smart Mobility Strategy’, seems like an almost unattainable dream, according to Worth. The lack of financial means and the absence of political tools to drive the necessary changes serve as significant barriers to reaching these targets.
Despite having allocated over €9.5 billion to modernize rail infrastructure and purchase railway vehicles in the previous mandate, Worth insists that funding alone will not be enough. He argues that the political commitment and implementation ability to effect substantial change are sorely lacking.
Even the establishment of a core network under the Trans-European transport network (TEN-T) initiative by 2030 is deemed unattainable without significant pressure on member states to invest in infrastructure. Worth suggests that the EU should lead by example by showcasing the contrasts and problems, as well as the potential solutions, across various European regions.
Highlighting the perceptions held in Brussels, Worth stressed that there is a lack of understanding of the actual situation on the ground. He urged EU policymakers to firsthand experience the complexity and challenges faced by cross-border train travelers. With an emotive flourish, he advocated for the next European Commissioner for transport to embark on a tour around Europe as a passenger for a week or 10 days, to gain insight into the issues at hand.
While Worth acknowledges that infrastructure is a concern in certain regions, such as German border connections, he emphasizes that maximizing the use of existing infrastructure is equally crucial. The effective coordination of timetables and cooperation between different railway operators are essential in addressing the issues faced by cross-border train services.
Ultimately, Worth’s call is for the EU to take a more proactive role in facilitating cooperation between regional and national governments, and railway companies to collectively resolve the challenges faced by cross-border train travel. He insists that the upcoming European Commissioner for transport must be vigilant in overseeing the implementation of regulations and initiatives aimed at revitalizing Europe’s railways.
Although the journey ahead is certain to be challenging, the potential benefits of a revitalized rail network in Europe are immense. Increased cooperation, commitment, and investment in infrastructure can set the stage for a renaissance in cross-border train travel, ultimately leading to a more accessible and integrated continent.
Leave a Reply