How the EU fails in rail traffic – Diepresse.com
If you want to take the train in the EU, you all too often have (inner European) boundaries.
Yesterday I was annoyed – about the EU. This is often a useful construct. When traveling, for example: no traffic jams before border controls, no tedious changes in money, no horrendous mobile phone bills.
I was all the more frustrated that I just came up with the travel planning (inner European!), Which I believed out long ago. First of all: I'm trying to do without flights this year. In 2024 I got around quite far, so this year I seemed more than feasible to reduce my travel footprint. And the train network is getting better!
I was prepared for somewhat more expensive prices, also to plan more time for the journey. What I did not expect was the detective work that is necessary: who drives which route the fastest? Where and when are the tickets the cheapest? And where can you buy them at all? There are portals that offer connections from several countries, but too often it says: « Ticket not available ». Or you can only book to the first city after the border and are only then again on you. The ÖBB horizon ends at the latest at the French border. No wonder that people are driven back on the plane.
Wouldn't it be nice if there was an organization that could devote exactly these problems? Moment!
The EU actually wanted to do this many times. Most recently, it was said in November that in 2025 an EU-wide digital train booking system was to be presented. Will that be something? So far, corresponding solutions have failed.
Until it is time, there is at least one thing that makes my project a little easier: no, don't fly. Interrail! Yes, this is also available for adults and, at least financially, pays off after just a few train journeys. By the way, there is an early bird discount until April 1. Feeling young again is included.
Emails to: teresa.wirth@diepresse.obstaclecom
