Europe’s railways are experiencing a moment of unprecedented political goodwill as the European Union (EU) seeks to encourage modal shift to reduce transport emissions. However, frustration is building within the EU that the sector’s conservative tendencies and desire to protect the status quo will stand in the way of delivering these ambitious targets, as Kevin Smith explains.
Is the Single European Rail Area achievable or an impossible dream?
Europe’s railways are experiencing a moment of unprecedented political goodwill as the European Union (EU) seeks to encourage modal shift to reduce transport emissions. However, frustration is building within the EU that the sector’s conservative tendencies and desire to protect the status quo will stand in the way of delivering these ambitious targets, as Kevin Smith explains.
The Connecting Europe Express highlighted the operational and technical challenges rail must overcome to realise its potential on the continent.
Photo: Mladen Zarkovic