European train travel is on the up and up according to a new report presented to Transport Ministers of European Union Member States. This means more routes and easier booking for passengers in the future.

The report, by the Platform on International Rail Passenger Transport (IRP), highlights positive developments in the market and upcoming improvements. The IRP was created in 2020 to make it easier to travel by train across Europe, with the goal of encouraging more people to choose trains for their journeys.

A key finding of the report is the increasing collaboration between national train companies. This is good news for passengers, who can potentially benefit from more competition and potentially lower fares. For example, French and Italian high-speed trains are now competing on the Paris-Milan route.

Challenges

However, challenges remain. Train tracks and regulations can differ from country to country, making seamless travel difficult. New companies also struggle to enter the market due to these complexities.

Crossing borders

Despite these hurdles, established train companies are actively planning more cross-border routes. This includes new partnerships recently announced by an Italian train company for summer travel.

Experts agree that improvements are needed to Europe’s train infrastructure, especially when it comes to connecting different countries. This would allow for faster and more reliable journeys.

The overall outlook for European train travel is positive. The industry is working hard to make train travel a more attractive and convenient option for getting around Europe. This includes making it easier to book tickets across different countries.

“Rail operators are eager to deliver”, Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), said. 

“We are working together to improve the experience for passengers, but progress also depends on investments in infrastructure to better connect countries.”

The CER is actively involved in this progress, implementing a plan to improve ticketing by 2025. This plan includes technical solutions that will make it easier to buy train tickets online, regardless of the train company or the countries you are travelling through.

The IRP’s 4th Progress Report is accessible here. Please follow the links for more info on the CER Ticketing Roadmap, OSDM and the AJC.

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