The European Railway Revolution

SGGP 31/05/2023 07:09

Europe is currently at the forefront of encouraging people to seek green alternatives to air travel on short-haul flights.

Campaign to replace airplanes with trains at a Berlin train station, Germany. Photo: THE GUARDIAN

A boycott of air travel, dubbed "Flight Shame," was launched. Since then, many people have opted to travel by train, a solution considered more environmentally friendly.

A railway revolution is underway in Europe, with high-speed rail lines and new operators coming into operation, reversing the declining demand for overnight train services. The construction of tunnels and the installation of new locomotives are reducing travel times, improving reliability, and enhancing efficiency. Discounted ticket promotions are also playing a crucial role in stimulating demand. With substantial investment in railways, the "railization" of Europe's transport network is progressing well, and rail-centric travel is only a matter of time, restoring the blue skies to the continent.

However, the transition process is still facing some difficulties as progress remains slow. There are no signs that European airports will be any quieter in the near future. Earlier this year, France banned three short domestic flights to reduce air pollution. Although approved by European Union (EU) officials and enacted into law in France this May, the ban still has many limitations in finding alternative travel solutions and has had little impact on reducing emissions.

According to estimates by the Transport & Environment (T&E) organization, banned flights account for only 0.3% of the total emissions of the French aviation industry and 3% of emissions from domestic flights. Aviation emissions have a strong impact on climate change, due to the gases, vapors, and smoke trails emitted from aircraft. Furthermore, the aviation industry is on a rapid recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, causing aviation emissions in Europe to increase by an average of 5% compared to the 2013-2019 period. In addition, airlines do not have to pay fuel taxes in the EU, and air tickets are exempt from value-added tax (VAT).

Although the impact is limited, France's ban sets the stage for future restrictions in the aviation industry. Patrick Edmond, CEO of aviation consulting firm Altair Advisory, views the ban as a harbinger of similar measures that could be implemented if the industry is not serious about reducing carbon emissions.

France is not the first EU country to adopt a tough policy on short-haul flights. In 2020, the Austrian government agreed to support Austria Airlines on the condition that it cut all flights with train connections lasting less than three hours. The government also imposed a €30 ($32) tax on flights under 350km departing from domestic airports.

Spain has also set a target to reduce flights with train journey times of less than 2 hours and 30 minutes by 2050. The Dutch airline KLM is actively collaborating with rail transport partners on several routes.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/cach-mang-duong-sat-chau-au-post691804.html