Search Results forhigh-speed rail
Vietnamese PM calls to begin construction for high-speed railway
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called upon the country’s Ministry of Construction to finalise all preliminary procedures related to the construction of the Vietnamese North-South High-Speed Railway system. Pham advised ministry officials that construction ought to begin in late 2026, at least a year earlier than initially planned. The Prime Minister also asked the ministry to submit additional bidding measures related to the project by the end of this month. This is expected to provide ample time for submission to and deliberation on the part of the National Assembly and the National Assembly Standing Committee in May in order to fast-track the project’s progress. Full speed travel To be built at the estimated cost of around US$67.34 billion, Vietnam’s North-South high-speed railway will primarily serve passenger transportation and carry light cargo whenever necessary. Much like Indonesia’s high-speed railway service Whoosh, the North-South high-speed railway will have a designed speed of 350 km/hour. The electronic railway route will have 23 passenger and five cargo stations connected to key cargo hubs, starting at the Ngoc Hoi station in Hanoi. Trains will subsequently pass through 20 provinces and cities before terminating the journey at the Thu Thiem station in Ho Chi Minh City.
Travel by international high-speed rail set to triple by 2040, ticket prices to fall by 30%
Representative Image Demand for international rail travel on the UK’s only high-speed line which runs from London to Folkestone is predicted to triple over the next 15 years increasing from 11 million to 35 million passengers per year, a new study published today shows. The study was announced at a rail stakeholder event where Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Minister of State for Rail, gave a keynote speech. The study, commissioned by London St. Pancras Highspeed and conducted by infrastructure consultancy Steer, suggests that expected growth and competition on the high-speed line could lead to fare reductions of up to 30 per cent. Modelling also indicates that up to 18 additional daily services could run on existing routes, while demand could support the launch of trains to as many as five new destinations across western Europe. The report comes after London St. Pancras Highspeed revealed a package of financial incentives last week to encourage new and existing operators to increase services on the line, which is currently operating at 50 per cent capacity. And there are plans to more than double international passenger capacity at St. Pancras station to nearly 5,000 passengers per hour to accommodate the expected growth in the next decade and beyond. London St. Pancras Highspeed has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Eurotunnel aimed at cutting journey times, improving timetable coordination, and incentivising more trains and routes. Robert Sinclair, CEO of London St. Pancras Highspeed, said: “This report points to the biggest transformation in international high-speed rail travel in a generation. “Passengers are increasingly choosing rail over air for climate reasons and because they like the convenience and comfort of direct city centre to city centre travel. “With collective determination and action, we can triple passenger numbers, lower fares, and unlock new destinations across Europe. Our growth incentive is a catalyst to help make this vision a reality by supporting operators to introduce new services faster, shaping an exciting future for international rail.” Sustainability is increasingly important to passengers. In 2023, one in three travellers reported flying less for climate reasons, underlining the appeal of international rail travel. There is also a growing acceptance of longer journey times due to the convenience of train travel with direct city centre to city centre travel.
High-Speed Rail is the cure for travel chaos
As the nation heads into the high-travel July 4th holiday weekend, climate-change fueled extreme weather has caused thousands of delayed or cancelled flights, leaving passengers stranded in airports from Los Angeles to New York, as well as creating unsafe driving conditions. A nationwide electric high-speed rail network in the U.S. would circumvent much of this chaos and enable millions of Americans to travel safely and efficiently to visit friends and families on holidays, while reducing toxic carbon emissions that contribute to the climate crisis, the U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition said. “The longer America waits to build a nationwide high-speed rail system, the more we will see this travel nightmare played out across the country,” said Andy Kunz, CEO of the US High Speed Rail Association. “And the transportation crisis will only get worse if we do not provide American travelers with a better alternative, and one that also addresses the growing impacts of climate change.” Severe thunderstorms on the East Coast and in the Midwest have been a major disruption, with smoke from Canadian wildfires and heat in the South adding to the chaos. Flight Aware reports over 120,000 delays and 12,000 cancellations this week. Millions of lives have been impacted. Severe storms and smoke also make highway travel more dangerous. Each year, more than 40,000 people die on U.S. roads. The weather disruptions come as the AAA projects record domestic travel over the holiday weekend with more than 50.7 million Americans traveling 50 miles or more from home. U.S. airports and highways are filled to capacity. Further expansion would be far more costly than building high-speed rail lines and would take a disastrous toll on the environment. Air travel is efficient for longer haul flights, but it’s far more efficient to rely on high-speed rail for short- and medium-haul routes. High-speed rail is a very high-capacity mode of transport that can operate through severe weather conditions that often ground aviation. High-speed rail will also lower demand for air travel and reduce traffic congestion and overloading. It also is essential for the U.S. to achieve its climate goals. America’s dependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles is a key obstacle in the fight against climate change. Cars and trucks are the leading source of carbon emissions in the U.S. In contrast, high-speed rail runs on electricity and has the lowest emissions of any mode of transportation and a total carbon footprint 14-16 times less than cars or planes. High-speed rail is the safest form of transportation in the world. Japan has operated high-speed rail since 1964 without a single injury or fatality. Other countries have similar results. Twenty-six nations carry a total of billions of passengers on high-speed trains each year. The U.S. has lagged behind the rest of the industrialized world in building high-speed rail, but a strong government commitment can change this picture. The bipartisan infrastructure law, which includes $66 billion in funding for passenger rail, is a crucial step forward in making high-speed rail a reality in America. High-speed rail projects across the country are moving forward, with two leading the way. Brightline West, a largely privately funded project that will connect Las Vegas and Southern California, is projected to be running by the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. And California High-Speed Rail’s initial operating segment in the Central Valley is planned for completion by 2030.
Vietnam to build railway line to China
Vietnam is slated to commence the construction of a new railway line from the northern port city of Haiphong to the Chinese border before the year ends. In a statement made on 22nd December, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chan declared that the government will submit the project to the National Assembly for formal approval in February. The rail line will be 417 kilometres long and run from Haiphong through Hanoi to Lao Cai Province which borders Yunnan Province in southern China. It is expected to be the first of two high-speed links with China, which is Vietnam’s biggest trading partner. Taking a cue from the neighbours Officials from the two countries have been discussing rail links for some time, but the success of the high-speed line built through northern Laos, and similar lines in China, are believed to have convinced the senior officials they should do the same to bolster trade and tourism. Rail services have clearly become a priority for the Vietnamese, with President To Lam discussing high-speed links with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping during a state visit to Beijing in August. Last year, China said it was ready to offer grants to Vietnam to boost the railway between Kunming and the Vietnamese port city of Haiphong, and other transport links from southern China to Hanoi. Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport has been preparing the pre-feasibility report for the project which may be considered an initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. As of October 2024, the Southeast Asian nation is slated to invest about US$11 billion in the railway initiative.
Air Canada makes Europe easier to explore by offering customers convenient new Air-to-Rail connections
Air Canada today announced new air-to-rail booking options for customers to connect at European airports with four major passenger rail systems. (CNW Group/Air Canada) Air Canada announced new air-to-rail booking options for customers to connect at European airports with four major passenger rail systems, making it convenient to explore the continent. Through new railway and distribution partnerships, Air Canada customers, when purchasing flights, can now also easily book onward rail trips to a multitude of destinations throughout France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria to create a seamless travel itinerary. "As a leading global airline, Air Canada excels at flying, but we also know intermodal connections can enrich the travel experience through added convenience and by promoting sustainability. In offering easy onward airport connections with the national rail systems in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, we are creating intermodal hubs and opening the door for customers to reach stations at major cities and popular destinations throughout these countries. Moreover, by facilitating the use of rail for the short-haul segments of our customers' journeys, we can provide sustainable travel options when touring Europe," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, at Air Canada. With the launch of Air Canada's European intermodal initiative, customers can now, while purchasing an Air Canada flight, at the same time book rail travel from European airports. Through the airline's partnership with Lufthansa Express Rail Product and new collaborations with AccesRail & WorldTicket, customers can use a streamlined booking process to create a seamless travel itinerary that connects their flight with trips on trains operated by France's TGV-SNCF Voyageurs, Germany's Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways or ÖBB, the national railway of Austria. For added convenience, customers can check in for all segments of their trip prior to departure, avoiding the need to obtain a train ticket at the station. As well, customers experiencing any flight disruption will have both their air and rail segments rebooked to provide peace of mind. Wing-to-Rail Connections France: Sold under codeshare on SNCF Voyageurs, customers can purchase a single ticket that connects them at France's Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris to up to 22 SNCF Voyageurs high-speed rail destinations across France, including Nantes, Bordeaux, Marseille and Strasbourg. Germany: Air Canada is building on its existing intermodal rail connections with Lufthansa Express Rail which provides access to up to 24 stations on Star Alliance intermodal partner Deutsche Bahn within Germany from Frankfurt airport. With today's announcement, customers now have expanded options to reach more than 5,600 railway stations across the country using Deutsche Bahn's Rail and Fly products from Frankfurt and Munich. As of August 2022, Deutsche Bahn became an Intermodal Partner of Star Alliance, the first non-airline partner of any of the major alliances., and Air Canada plans to launch codeshare on the German rail in 2024 via the Lufthansa express rail product, offering customers added benefits. Switzerland: Customers flying to Zurich or Geneva on Air Canada can now connect at the airport to Swiss Federal Railways trains and reach up to 11 stations throughout Switzerland, including such popular destinations as Basel and Lucerne. Austria: ÖBB services are now also available from Vienna airport to up to nine railway stations across Austria, including Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck. Additional details, including about the simple booking process, available routings and destinations, and other important information are available at www.aircanada.com. Air Canada's partnership portfolio has doubled over the past decade with three joint business agreements, 39 codeshare, 120 interline and four intermodal rail options across the transport ecosystem to over 1200 destinations delivering an array of travel choices for customers.
Europe could save 1 million tonnes of CO2 per year by switching domestic flights for rail
Mabrian Technologies, a company specialising in Travel Intelligence, has carried out a study on the potential impact of replacing domestic air routes of less than two and a half hours, and a maximum of 500km, with high-speed trains. The study analyses the savings in CO2 emissions if the regulation, which has already started to be implemented in France, were to be applied in multiple European countries. According to the report – which has analysed the total air schedule for 2023 on domestic routes with ground distances of less than 500km – there are 554 such routes in Europe, which will carry around 44 million passengers and produce around 2.3 million tonnes of CO2 this year. Due to their greater efficiency in terms of emissions, using high-speed trains could reduce this environmental impact by an average of 48%. This would translate into a saving of more than 1 million tonnes of CO2 in just one year, which is equivalent to more than 200,000 cars running continuously for 12 months. For the comparative calculation of emissions, Mabrian has looked at the type of electrical energy and its sources, which power the railway system in each European country, following the methodology published by the EcoPassenger report. This sets out an ambitious transition towards sustainable mobility, involving the adoption of clean and green technologies. Some countries stand out above others in these policies. Germany, for example, has invested in modernising its rail infrastructure and adopting cleaner technologies that encourage the use of rail as a more sustainable alternative to air travel, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Sweden has been a pioneer in the use of renewable energy sources such as hydropower and wind power in its rail transport. The study reveals five of the European countries that would achieve the greatest CO2 savings if this transition were to take place. In the first place, we find Spain, with a potential saving of 360,000 tonnes of CO2 per year if these routes were replaced by high-speed trains; Germany, in second place, with a saving of 238,000 tonnes; France, with 193,000 tonnes; Italy, with 189,000 tonnes; and Sweden, with 159,000 tonnes per year. On the other hand, in relative terms, the three countries with the greatest potential CO2 savings from the transition to rail are Sweden, with 97.13% of the total CO2 produced by aircraft per year; Austria, with 92.79%; and France, with 89.73%. In fact, France has been the pioneer country in applying this measure to short-haul air routes from Orly. All this analysis has focused only on domestic air routes within each country, so Mabrian indicates that the potential savings would be much greater if all air routes of 500km or less linking different countries in Europe were also considered. The study also indicates the importance of analysing several aspects that are not entirely favourable to this change. The cost of implementing the rail infrastructure to cover all these routes would require significant investment, so not all countries may have the resources to finance it. Long-term profitability and the capacity of these new infrastructures to absorb a very significant demand would also have to be considered. Carlos Cendra, Marketing Director at Mabrian, comments: "While this analysis may seem unrealistic or unachievable, at Mabrian we believe in demonstrating the efficiency of decisions through data. With this analysis, we have quantified the potential savings from taking steps in that direction. However, the context and the difficulties of this change suggest an intermediate situation in which the train gains prominence, but aircraft continue to meet part of the demand".
Europe could save 1 million tonnes of CO2 per year by switching domestic flights for rail
Mabrian Technologies, a company specialising in Travel Intelligence, has carried out a study on the potential impact of replacing domestic air routes of less than two and a half hours, and a maximum of 500km, with high-speed trains. The study analyses the savings in CO2 emissions if the regulation, which has already started to be implemented in France, were to be applied in multiple European countries.According to the report – which has analysed the total air schedule for 2023 on domestic routes with ground distances of less than 500km – there are 554 such routes in Europe, which will carry around 44 million passengers and produce around 2.3 million tonnes of CO2 this year. Due to their greater efficiency in terms of emissions, using high-speed trains could reduce this environmental impact by an average of 48%. This would translate into a saving of more than 1 million tonnes of CO2 in just one year, which is equivalent to more than 200,000 cars running continuously for 12 months. For the comparative calculation of emissions, Mabrian has looked at the type of electrical energy and its sources, which power the railway system in each European country, following the methodology published by the EcoPassenger report. This sets out an ambitious transition towards sustainable mobility, involving the adoption of clean and green technologies. Some countries stand out above others in these policies. Germany, for example, has invested in modernising its rail infrastructure and adopting cleaner technologies that encourage the use of rail as a more sustainable alternative to air travel, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Sweden has been a pioneer in the use of renewable energy sources such as hydropower and wind power in its rail transport. The study reveals five of the European countries that would achieve the greatest CO2 savings if this transition were to take place. In the first place, we find Spain, with a potential saving of 360,000 tonnes of CO2 per year if these routes were replaced by high-speed trains; Germany, in second place, with a saving of 238,000 tonnes; France, with 193,000 tonnes; Italy, with 189,000 tonnes; and Sweden, with 159,000 tonnes per year. On the other hand, in relative terms, the three countries with the greatest potential CO2 savings from the transition to rail are Sweden, with 97.13% of the total CO2 produced by aircraft per year; Austria, with 92.79%; and France, with 89.73%. In fact, France has been the pioneer country in applying this measure to short-haul air routes from Orly. All this analysis has focused only on domestic air routes within each country, so Mabrian indicates that the potential savings would be much greater if all air routes of 500km or less linking different countries in Europe were also considered. The study also indicates the importance of analysing several aspects that are not entirely favourable to this change. The cost of implementing the rail infrastructure to cover all these routes would require significant investment, so not all countries may have the resources to finance it. Long-term profitability and the capacity of these new infrastructures to absorb a very significant demand would also have to be considered. Carlos Cendra, Marketing Director at Mabrian, comments: "While this analysis may seem unrealistic or unachievable, at Mabrian we believe in demonstrating the efficiency of decisions through data. With this analysis, we have quantified the potential savings from taking steps in that direction. However, the context and the difficulties of this change suggest an intermediate situation in which the train gains prominence, but aircraft continue to meet part of the demand".
Rail Europe’s Easy Rail Access: Book easily, unlock destinations, and earn commission
Manarola train station, Cinque Terre As the world continues to move towards more sustainable modes of transportation, train travel has become increasingly popular. Not only is it an environmentally friendly option, but it is also a convenient and comfortable way to travel through Europe. Another benefit of train travel is that it allows clients to travel at their own pace. Unlike air travel, which can be stressful and time-consuming, train travel provides a more relaxed and comfortable experience. With the ability to stretch out and enjoy the scenery, clients can arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore. Rail Europe: Your one-stop-shop for European train travel Rail Europe, a company with over 90 years of experience in the industry, is making it even easier for travel agents to book train travel for their clients with their Easy Rail Access platform. Easy Rail Access is designed as a “one-stop-shop” platform for travel agents, providing them with easy access to book train travel throughout Europe by offering them “comprehensive, continuously updated offers and customer service support,” according to Rail Europe. Rail Europe is the number one distributor of European train travel, providing travel agents with easy access to all trains across Europe. With one website that covers all countries including France, Italy, Switzerland and many more, there is no need for travel agents to go elsewhere. Rail Europe's B2B platform is available to all travel agencies, regardless of size, enabling them to book for clients with ease, access rich content to help plan their journey, and earn commission on bookings. In addition to the convenience of the platform, Rail Europe offers exceptional customer support for after-sales assistance, as well as access to updated product information and tactical desks. To further enhance their distribution, Rail Europe has locally appointed key sales partners who are experts in all aspects of European train travel. These partners have worked with Rail Europe for many years and can assist with managing group bookings, ensuring that travel agents have access to all the resources they need to provide their clients with a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. Travel agents who work with Rail Europe can earn commission on bookings, making it a great way to supplement their income. And with over 15,000 travel professionals in 70 countries already partnering with Rail Europe, it is clear that they are a trusted and reliable resource for train travel booking. In addition to their Easy Rail Access program, Rail Europe also offers a variety of other tools and resources to help travel agents plan the perfect trip for their clients. Their website includes detailed information on train routes, schedules, and fares, as well as travel tips and recommendations. They also have a dedicated team of customer service representatives available to assist with any questions or concerns. For clients looking to explore Europe by train, Rail Europe is the reference brand for European train booking. With their extensive network of partners, commitment to customer service, and expertise in the industry, they are the go-to resource for travel agents looking to book train travel for their clients. And with promotions like the Swiss Travel Pass Free Days, they are making it even easier and more affordable for clients to experience the beauty of Europe by train. Discover the beauty of Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass Free Days With Rail Europe's extensive network of partners, agents can book tickets for high-speed trains, regional trains, and even scenic trains like the Swiss panoramic trains. And with Rail Europe's Swiss Travel Pass Free Days promotion, clients can enjoy even more of Switzerland's breathtaking scenery for free. The Swiss Travel Pass Free Days promotion allows clients to enjoy up to two additional days of travel for free when they purchase a Swiss Travel Pass. From April 15 to May 14, 2023, purchase a 4-day continuous Pass and get an extra day for free. Purchase an 8-day continuous Pass, and get two extra days for free! One of the highlights of travelling through Switzerland by train is the opportunity to experience the country's panoramic trains. These trains are designed to showcase Switzerland's stunning natural beauty, with panoramic windows and open-air observation decks. Clients can choose from a variety of routes, including the Glacier Express, which travels through the heart of the Swiss Alps, or the Golden Pass Line, which takes travellers from Montreux on Lake Geneva to Lucerne, passing through rolling hills and picturesque villages. Meanwhile, Rail Europe's Eurail Global Pass also provides access to high-speed train networks throughout Europe, allowing clients to explore multiple countries in one trip. With the Global Pass, clients can travel to up to 33 different countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, with the convenience of a single pass. You can take as many trains as you like and there is no limit on the distance you can travel within a travel day. All of this at a fixed price. This makes it easy for travel agents to plan multi-country itineraries for their clients, saving them time and hassle. For travel agents, working with Rail Europe is a no-brainer. Rail Europe's Easy Rail Access program is a valuable resource for travel agents looking to book train travel for their clients. And with the ability to earn commission on bookings, it's a great way to supplement their income while providing a valuable service to their clients. Be a travel partner
Survey shows 80% of people want more international rail routes opened to Europe
More than four in five UK travellers would like to see more rail routes to European destinations from the UK, in the latest sign of rising demand for environmentally friendly travel options. Polling for HS1, conducted by Opinium Research, found that 81% of people surveyed would be more likely to travel by train to Europe for work if there were more routes available. The figure rose to 86% for leisure travel. In addition, 79% of respondents said the pandemic has highlighted the need for businesses to make more sustainable travel options, demonstrating a strong opportunity for international high-speed rail. Currently, travellers can get direct services to a number of destinations in western Europe, including Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels. The figures provide the clearest evidence that there is strong demand for even more international rail routes run from the UK on the HS1 line. This could include working to set up new routes into Germany, including the financial hub of Frankfurt, or extending routes to further popular leisure destinations, such as Prague in the Czech Republic, or Bordeaux in south west France. Dyan Crowther, CEO of HS1 said: “These results are further proof that people travelling abroad from the UK are increasingly looking for more environmentally friendly options. HS1 is the Green Gateway to Europe, and as we look to recover and grow post Covid-19, we’ll be working tirelessly to deliver more routes on our line into Europe.” Other findings announced show that 77% of people would likely travel more regularly to Europe by train if there was more competition on the line.
Largest mass strike in France: 90% of high-speed trains cancelled
Around 800,000 people protested all over France this week in the largest mass strike in over 20 years. The protest came in response to the government's plan for making major changes to the country's retirement system. According to the French rail operator SNCF, 90% of high-speed trains have been cancelled, and at least nine of the 16 metro lines in Paris have been closed. In-country transportation isn't the only thing affected, as French aviation authorities project a fifth of flights at more than six major airports across the country will be cancelled. "We're seeing an increasing trend in strikes" "Transportation strikes can completely shut down a city and majorly disrupt travel plans," said Terry Boynton, president and co-founder of Yonder Travel Insurance, a US-based travel insurance comparison site. "We're seeing an increasing trend in strikes that cause partial or complete disruption of air travel, especially in popular tourist destinations in Europe." The SNCF and the Paris transit authority RATP warned travellers to stay away from train stations today: "On 9 December, stay home or find another means of locomotion."
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