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Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, in collaboration with ALLRAIL, CER and UNIFE, have organised a press event dedicated to the key results of the 'Smart…
The study assessed the market potential and impact of investments in HSR, investigated three network scenarios, and looked at the societal perspective, including socio-economic and environmental benefits, building upon results from recent academic studies.
The report proposes a master plan for an HSR network connecting all EU capitals and major cities and calls on the European Commission and Member States for a coordinated implementation with adequate funding now and for the next decades to come. Such a comprehensive network which would mean at least tripling the existing HSR network will require investment costs estimated at €550 billion, which will create net positive benefits to society in the range of €750 billion by 2070.
Commenting on the results of the study, Nick Brooks, Secretary General at ALLRAIL, said: “Independent passenger rail companies enthusiastically support the fast growth of high-speed rail in Europe. We want to see it displace the private individual motor car as a product for the masses, for everyone from the budget conscious to very affluent travellers. High-speed rail must form the backbone of speedy door-to-door travel across the EU.
The study shows that achieving this goal requires the extension and upgrading of the current network, especially across borders. However, infrastructure alone is not enough. High-speed trains must be made attractive: high capacities (1000 seats each), frequent departures and attractive prices.
Making high-speed trains attractive will require a level-playing field both intramodally (between rail operators) and intermodally (e.g. fair taxation versus less sustainable transport modes) as well as full integration with feeder public transport services. We are nevertheless certain that the findings of this study will help guide national and European stakeholders towards reaching these goals.”
Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director at CER, said: “The positive cost-benefit ratio of the study shows why Europe needs a High-speed Masterplan as a response to the ongoing crisis on energy and sustainable mobility. Railway investments require a long-term commitment and sufficient funding, the TEN-T Regulation, currently under revision, must recognise this. The creation of an interoperable
DISCLAIMER: The information and views set out in the report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the EU-Rail, ALLRAIL, CER and UNIFE.
European high-speed network, linking European capitals and major cities, connecting urban nodes and airports, will reduce rail travel time between EU capitals and major cities to under 4 and 6 hours, and with affordable and comfortable trains rail will certainly become the preferred mode of transport. This is why it is essential to invest in high-speed rail”.