7 Things to Love: Trains.
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COMMENT. Global. – Here are 7 things to love about trains.
And why 2thinknow view a Rail Renaissance as likely.
1. Speed.
German ICE trains are faster than air over 1000km. Around 4 hours CBD to CBD.
2. Clean.
Environmental impact around 10% of cars over the distance, according to numerous environmentalists.
3. Safe.
Mid-distance trains, in developed countries, are a generally safe transport option. Especially applicable for solo travellers.
4. Work-time.
Unlike cars or planes, rail work-time is increased. Work-time on planes is limited due to take-off, landing & wait.
Eurail working times in first-class are excellent, due to laptop connections & emerging t-mobile wireless.
5. Carriage & Convenience.
Luggage is less a problem on rail. Less hassle than modern airports travelling coach/economy or business class. Greater weight. Less packing concerns. And finally, no one has to pad you down, remove your shoes, or search your bags. Not yet anyway.
Rail can be a bliss in many cases, compared with airports.
6. It’s a journey.
The sense of travel, of a journey made. A theme of British Royal Geographical Society travel writer, Christopher Portway.
Captured well in Portway’s recent book - Flat Feet and Full Steam: Around the World in Every Way
7. Social.
European trains have some degree of socialising to them, and there is a sense of mystery. Planes can have that, but trains have an edge over other modes.
Portway again, writes an excellent yarn for railfans here - The World Commuter: Great Journeys by Train (Summersdale travel)
Add to that…
Policy-wise, 2thinknow also like trains & rail for these reasons.
1) Reduced road congestion & road pollution.
2) Increased freight opportunities in the supply chain.
3) Modal redundancy, allowing multiple transit modes.
Trends.
Trends are showing a return to rail over mid & long-distance travel.
The leaders in this are Europe or Asia. Warren Buffett purchased rail stocks last year.
The 2thinknow View is that trends — climate change, social patterns & infrastucture focus among others — support an infant rail resurgence.
However, in many English-Speaking countries rail & transport policy needs a review.
Do you think rail’s time has come? Let us know.
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