German federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer invited the fellow EU Transport Ministers to a special meeting Monday, September 21. The meeting continued the train positive initiative, originated from the Dutch government half a year ago. A formal council meeting is yet to come.
In an interview with the “Berliner Morgenpost”, Andreas Scheuer stated that he intends to propose a network of high-speed trains and night trains known as “TransEuropExpress 2.0” at this meeting. Fortunately this is not an ‘utopia’ vision, but a rather practical approach to faster and better inter-EU train services, both day and night.
He say among other things: Within the framework of the German EU Council Presidency, I will present our concept for a modern cross-border rail transport together with my EU colleagues, the EU Commission and railroad companies. The TransEuropExpress (TEE) 2.0 project will make Europe more climate-friendly.
We want to connect Europe’s major cities better with high-speed trains and night trains. It is all about fast and continuous train connections. What is needed are trains that are comfortably equipped and can be used across borders. We need an EU funding program for this. We also need to set up a digital booking platform through which European rail connections can be booked.
A network for high-speed and night train services could be in place by 2025.
>> Read Mr. Scheuers presentation in English.
Report shall advice upon Cross-border night trains
During the same period of time DG-MOVE (the EU-Commissions department of transportation) prepared a proces on behalf of the EU-Parliament to have a report made of Revitalisation of Cross-border Night Trains.
They received 13 tenders. The London based consultancy company Steer Davies and Gleeve was awarded as contractor.
TransEuropExpress 2.0 is an excellent project because it is environment friendly and easy to access. It consumes less time than buses and other transport. I appreciate it.