Back-on-Track to Launch Open Night Train Planning Tool at InnoTrans 2026

Back-on-Track will launch the public beta of its Night Train Modeling Tool on 22 September at InnoTrans, opening European night train network planning to anyone interested in testing new routes.

The new tool has been developed by ten Back-on-Track volunteers from across Europe and will become publicly available on the first day of InnoTrans in Berlin.

The tool puts the users in the role of a planner: routes can be drawn directly onto a map, after which the system creates a timetable and tests different train configurations. Operating costs, estimated public support and potential CO2 savings are then calculated for each proposal. The software is being released under a GPL licence, meaning its methodology and calculations can be inspected by users.

"The tracks exist and the demand exists. 70% of Europeans are ready to swap the plane for a night train. What is missing is a good network design and the political will to build it. Our tool aims to show which routes Europe should add," said Juri Maier, Chairperson of Back-on-Track.

Back-on-Track’s 2022 study used 2019 European air passenger data to estimate how much aviation traffic could potentially shift to rail under different scenarios. Its best-case calculation suggested that such a shift could reduce the EU’s overall greenhouse-gas impact by up to 3%. The organisation itself says that this scenario would require a larger night train offer and changes to current operating conditions.

The Best Routes Will Shape a 2032 Night Train Study

Back-on-Track plans to use the routes created by users as part of a wider study on Europe’s night train network in 2032. The final results will be presented to the European Commission’s DG MOVE and national transport authorities.

"Crowdsourcing is the key. The knowledge for this network does not sit in one office. Travellers know which connections Europe is missing. Operators and infrastructure experts carry knowledge that no consultancy could bring together alone. And a proposal the community built is one the community will defend," said David Wedekind, Back-on-Track volunteer and project lead.

Back-on-Track will collect the proposed routes, gather feedback and then select the strongest connections for the future network. A final study and an interactive map are planned later. The tool will also get more features during 2026, including policy simulations and wider network analysis.

About Back-on-Track

Back-on-Track is a European non-profit organisation working to improve night train services across Europe. It was founded in 2015 and is based in Brussels. The organisation focuses on cross-border connections, passenger rights, ticketing, rolling stock and the conditions needed to make more night trains commercially possible.

It also publishes practical information about existing and planned sleeper services. Its website includes an interactive map of European night trains and updates on new routes, operators and changes across the market.