Improvement of cross-border rail transport
What's the problem?
Up until now, taking the train is not a good alternative, especcially in regard to cross-border traffic, since there are no attractive connections.
What's the measure?
The rail network is being expanded, especially in the cross-border area, and new connections with comfortable trains are being created, which are planned as a network with good transfer possibilities (integral interval timetable). These trains do not necessarily all have to be economically viable, but state or European support services are possibilities for non-lucrative connections.
In particular, a Europe-wide network of night trains including ferry connections (e.g. to Great Britain, Scandinavia or the Mediterranean islands) is required, since many routes are very long. Routes of 6 to 12 hours most people prefer to travel overnight, and in addition night trains - much better than air travel - allow a comortable, well-rested arrival at the destination in the morning.
What can the implementation look like?
European States and the EU sponsor the expansion of the railway network and the establishment of railway lines and in particular night trains and the associated services. This requires Europe-wide cooperation between the railways. A considerable amount of new, modern and comfortable night trains must be purchased.
How does this work against climate change?
Travelling by train only produces a fractional amount of climate-damaging emissions in comparison to air traffic, which could be transferred to railway traffic by large extent.
Which other positive effects does the measure have?
Travelling by train allows comfortable travel even to many places that have so far been difficult to reach by public transport. With different comfort classes on the night train (sleep carriages with different equipment, couchette carriages, seating carriages), everyone can travel. In addition, rail travel - especially overnight - enables many encounters and thus promotes international understanding.
References to other measures
With this measure air traffic can be transferred to railway traffic by large extent, which justifies a ban on short-haul flights [[reference].
Problems with social, global and intergenerational justice
Trains as well generate noise and emissions - but on a minor scale than other means of transport, especcially air traffic.
