EU invites proposals for long-distance train services

The European Fee is inviting proposals for brand new cross-border, long-distance rail companies across the continent.

The initiative is a part of the fee’s Rail Motion Plan to spice up long-distance and cross-border prepare passenger companies in Europe, which was first launched in late 2021.

The invitation to submit pilot plans for these rail companies was formally opened final week throughout Connection Europe Days held in Lyon.

Adina Valean, European commissioner for transport, defined: “If extra individuals are to decide on sustainable modes of transport comparable to rail, it should turn into a beautiful choice for lengthy and cross-border journeys. 

“We want extra cross-border rail connections, they should be quicker and extra reasonably priced. In the present day, cross-border rail nonetheless faces obstacles to the operation and introduction of recent companies. 

“These pilot initiatives are a part of our technique to interrupt down these remaining obstacles, and I hope that the business will get on board directly.”

The fee is searching for cross-border pilot prepare companies which might both be new companies or plans to make current connections “quicker, extra frequent and extra reasonably priced”.

Proposals might be submitted as much as 31 October 2022, with the fee providing assist by “facilitating contact between the related stakeholders and by offering help”.

Tasks will then be evaluated with the outcomes introduced by January 2023.