Quite a timely trip! As I wrap up BEUC’s recommendations on rail for the next European Commission, here I am on the first ever night train from Brussels to Prague. This is an extension of the Brussels-Berlin route which was launched last year by the new railway company European Sleeper. And I’m very grateful for the invitation to partake in this inaugural voyage.
We’ve been talking about the return of night trains for a few years now. Between nostalgia (and therefore memories somewhat altered by time), ecological considerations and the search for alternatives to cars and planes, this type of travel is back in fashion.
But does being fashionable advance the climate cause? Does this make it an attractive alternative for consumers? Let’s be clear, I’m not going to save the planet by taking this train, and it’s not my few (admittedly poetic) photos that are going to make us forget the many problems of rail systems in Europe.
I’ll be short on my personal experience and praise of night trains. I slept quite well, the “summer camp” atmosphere is refreshing, the discussions on board are enriching, and the evening and morning landscapes offer contemplation. The journey is part of the experience, really – I even surprised myself being quite productive for work!
I prefer to go on about the many obstacles to overcome to make rail a truly alternative means of transport to cars and planes.
The problems with trains
On the train to Prague, I see first-hand the difficulties which we discussed at length with my wagon companions: the lack of modern second-hand or leased wagons for new players like European Sleeper (the train doors open and close manually – imagine the necessary staff!), the high fees operators have to pay to use the tracks, the difficult cooperation with infrastructure managers… Not to mention a blatant lack of visibility of these new offers on major ticketing and booking platforms. Other contenders in the night train business, such as the French Midnight Trains, also struggle with these issues. This directly affects consumers, in terms of comfort, price, or accessibility.
Despite welcome efforts to harmonise technical standards at European level, the fragmentation of rail between 25 national systems (Cyprus and Malta do not have railways) undoubtedly complicates the experience for consumers. What should be basic European regulation – the one on passenger rights – gives too much flexibility to operators and Member States, leaving passengers unprotected in many cases. And the situation varies greatly from one country to another. A 15-minute delay in the Netherlands can lead to a partial reimbursement for passengers, while merely finding the right information about such delay can be extremely difficult for Hungarian consumers.
Diversity of situations
Together with BEUC members, we are about to publish a review of more than a dozen European rail systems. We have identified best practices in terms of frequency, comfort, price, application of passenger rights or quality of service in stations and trains. This gives quite a compelling picture of consumers’ experience across Europe.
Once again, I could see it by myself. After I arrived in Prague train station, I jumped on two more trains to visit a university for students in railway and infrastructure management (there are never enough trains after a 15-hour journey). I was able to see the keen competition between rail operators – an example for the rest of Europe! The Czech Republic has one of the densest rail networks in the world, and many operators are competing against each other with their own special offers. Whether it is passenger comfort – family compartments, children’s play areas – (excellent!) food on board or the level of service, it’s all impressive.
The EU needs a ‘Masterplan for Rail’
From our upcoming review of the rail systems, we have drawn several recommendations that complement long-standing requests from consumer associations.1 This time, we will encourage the next European Commission to see big and set an EU Masterplan for Rail. We have plenty of ideas and I’ll give you a sneak peek.
For instance, the next Commission should rapidly adopt measures to make ticketing and booking simple and accessible whatever the platform consumers are choosing from. And it is an absolute no-brainer to coordinate the schedules of railway companies if we want to make EU cross-border rail happen.
An EU-wide insurance policy would guarantee consumers access to quality and regular trains, the possibility of continuing their journey in the event of a problem, and clear information available at all times. Member States should harmonise their good practices towards consumers and boosting their cooperation would enable effective complaint management.
If we want to make rail attractive and convenient, the EU will have to massively invest. Such a plan must aim to upgrade the existing infrastructure and rolling stock (remember these manual doors I mentioned above?) and develop new rail connections. The EU also needs to set up new financial instruments for new players on the market to purchase rolling stock or start their business.
Similarly, more money needs to flow to the European Rail Agency so it can fully endorse its role of gendarme of the European rail system. With more financial and human resources and more power to enforce the rules, the Agency will help make the EU rail system truly work for consumers.
Beyond the policy measures, rail requires political will
That is only part of what we are going to propose. Yes, we must support initiatives such as the Brussels-Prague route launched by European Sleeper. But the real salvation of the train will require ambitious political measures that will restore the railways to their former glory and beyond. And on the eve of the European elections, we are appealing to Europe. A European Masterplan for rail, rolled out over time, which makes aid to railway companies conditional on the implementation of concrete measures for passengers.
After a day in beautiful Prague, it’s already time to go home. Same train, new fellow travellers, who will hear me talk about our upcoming review… Stay tuned!
PS: one thing is for sure: their European Sleeper branded beer is worth promoting too!
All pictures were taken on the journey by Robin Loos.