Hop on and be part of the European Year of Rail 2021!
From September 2nd to October 7th 2021, you might spot a special EU train: The Connecting Europe Express! As part of the European Year of Rail, it will crisscross the continent, stopping in over 100 cities in 26 countries, representing how trains connect people.
The European Commission has launched this initiative to highlight the benefits of trains as a sustainable and innovative mode of transport. It should encourage both citizens and enterprises to opt for the railways so they will contribute to the EU Green Deal’s goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050.
While the transport sector is currently responsible for about 25% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, rail transport only causes about 0.5% of it. This makes it one of the most sustainable means of passenger and freight transport. Promoting rail transport will help reach the EU’s goal of a 90% reduction in transport emissions by 2050, which has been set to combat global warming.
Besides being sustainable, travelling by train comes with many other advantages: it is one of the safest and most affordable means of transport; it doesn’t involve stressful security checks, baggage restrictions, or turbulence; it is family, pet, and bike friendly; and, last but not least, you can enjoy the scenery while travelling.
And should anything go wrong, you have certain rights, and the EU protects you. Whether a train is delayed or cancelled, passengers on rail journeys have the same rights on almost all international trains operating within the EU. However, please note EU countries may decide that these rights don’t apply to some rail services, such as local and domestic long-distance trains as well as international trains departing from or arriving in a country outside the EU.
Read more about the European Year of the Rail on the website of the European Commision and Your Europe.