High-Speed Rail Network Push Blurs European Borders

Efforts to improve Europe's network of high-speed rail systems may also result in loosened border crossing rules.

1 minute read

January 11, 2008, 9:00 AM PST

"Despite the popularity of Europe's fast trains, making connections across national borders remains surprisingly complicated. For example, passengers on France's Trains à Grande Vitesse, or TGVs, can't easily make reservations for connecting high-speed trains in neighboring Germany or take a TGV from, say, the southern French city of Montpellier to Barcelona in northern Spain. But now, Pépy says, 'The idea of a European network of high-speed rail is at last being realized. It will be a real alternative to air travel.'"

"Last July seven operators banded together to form Railteam, an alliance that is working to create a seamless, high-speed network across a large swath of Western Europe. Functioning much like an airline alliance, Railteam is setting up a common reservation system that's set to begin operations in 2009. It is also helping member railways coordinate their schedules to reduce layover times. A frequent-traveler program will even be offered -- another page from the airlines' playbook."

FULL STORY: High-Speed Trains Erode Europe's Borders

Thursday, January 10, 2008 in Der Spiegel

Transportation Europe

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