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> Instead a singular train operator being able to run a train that seamlessly runs all the way through without changes Isn't that the case already? Or are the

> Instead a singular train operator being able to run a train that seamlessly runs all the way through without changes Isn't that the case already? Or are the high-speed trains that go from Paris to Belgium / Netherlands / Italy / Spain just regular speed outside of France? I'm quite sure, at least the ones going North (UK/BE/NL) use the same tracks as the trains doing Paris-Lille (city in the North of France, close to Belgium). > Also, while at it, make the train operators compete on EUR/KM of operation so that the costs become competitive with intra-EU flights. I don't know if that's such a good thing. There are routes that are much more profitable than others. It's my understanding that, at least in theory, the profitable ones "subsidize" the others, such that people can actually use them. I don't think that having new companies showing up on the Paris-Lyon line, for example, will be a net positive for the country as a whole (that's by far the most profitable line in France). Or maybe force the new ones to serve all the other lines? I don't know what the best solution would be.

GekkePrutser 4y ago
> Isn't that the case already? Or are the high-speed trains that go from Paris to Belgium / Netherlands / Italy / Spain just regular speed outside of France? I'm quite sure, at least the ones going North (UK/BE/NL) use the same tracks as the trains doing Paris-Lille (city in the North of France, close to Belgium). Yes they are, but that's only the high speed lines. In the Netherlands we have just one, towards Belgium and it's construction was extremely costly and troublesome. It has not delivered on it's promises, one planned service has been within the first year. Towards the East we don't have any, and yes the ICEs from there run at slow speeds in the Netherlands.
reacharavindh 4y ago
Sure, there are some NightJet services by OBB that cover routes like Amsterdam - Vienna. But, that's far too few and mostly covers Vienna to X. But, my hope is that EU leaders would take pride in connecting all major cities to the EU fast rail "grid" so that you can travel from anywhere to anywhere without changing connections just like cheap flights these days. Amsterdam - Innsbruck (for Ski trips) Amsterdam - Florence Amsterdam - Berlin Amsterdam - Barcelona Amsterdam - Copenhagen are all examples that could be direct trains that run frequently such that taking a flight for these should feel like a chore. Of course, I am listing all from Amsterdam because that's where I live. My point is a Rail grid network criss crossing Europe would be super beneficial to the society to remove many cars from the road and many planes from the sky. Heck, these routes would bring added benefit of subsidising freight transport across these population centers. Yes, EUR/KM operation might come with its flaws. But, if that rail grid is treated as essential infrastructure, and business are allowed to run their train services not the grid competing with each other, it will be a revival of the golden era of trains, and public transport.
- vladvasiliu 4y ago
  I do think that would be a great idea. I absolutely hate taking the plane because of the whole airport circus, so would definitely support such an initiative. I think that governments might also buy into that, at least to a point. For example, in France, they passed a law looking to ban very short flights for which a rail alternative no longer than a few hours exists (four, I think).

GekkePrutser 4y ago

> Isn't that the case already? Or are the high-speed trains that go from Paris to Belgium / Netherlands / Italy / Spain just regular speed outside of France? I'm quite sure, at least the ones going North (UK/BE/NL) use the same tracks as the trains doing Paris-Lille (city in the North of France, close to Belgium). Yes they are, but that's only the high speed lines. In the Netherlands we have just one, towards Belgium and it's construction was extremely costly and troublesome. It has not delivered on it's promises, one planned service has been within the first year. Towards the East we don't have any, and yes the ICEs from there run at slow speeds in the Netherlands.

reacharavindh 4y ago

Sure, there are some NightJet services by OBB that cover routes like Amsterdam - Vienna. But, that's far too few and mostly covers Vienna to X. But, my hope is that EU leaders would take pride in connecting all major cities to the EU fast rail "grid" so that you can travel from anywhere to anywhere without changing connections just like cheap flights these days. Amsterdam - Innsbruck (for Ski trips) Amsterdam - Florence Amsterdam - Berlin Amsterdam - Barcelona Amsterdam - Copenhagen are all examples that could be direct trains that run frequently such that taking a flight for these should feel like a chore. Of course, I am listing all from Amsterdam because that's where I live. My point is a Rail grid network criss crossing Europe would be super beneficial to the society to remove many cars from the road and many planes from the sky. Heck, these routes would bring added benefit of subsidising freight transport across these population centers. Yes, EUR/KM operation might come with its flaws. But, if that rail grid is treated as essential infrastructure, and business are allowed to run their train services not the grid competing with each other, it will be a revival of the golden era of trains, and public transport.

vladvasiliu 4y ago
I do think that would be a great idea. I absolutely hate taking the plane because of the whole airport circus, so would definitely support such an initiative. I think that governments might also buy into that, at least to a point. For example, in France, they passed a law looking to ban very short flights for which a rail alternative no longer than a few hours exists (four, I think).