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Traveling by international train must be additionally encouraged. In the aftermath of the corona crisis, international traffic is increasing again. Now is the time to make better use of the international train as a sustainable alternative to the car and plane. This does not require the construction of new track immediately. Because there is much to be gained in the short term with better information, ticket sales and passenger rights. Existing rail capacity can also be better utilized. Stimulating the international train requires intensive international cooperation on the most important European rail corridors. 

This is the conclusion of the Council for the Environment and Infrastructure (Rlic) in his advice 'Move the switch; towards better international passenger traffic by train ', which was presented to the State Secretary of Veldhoven for Infrastructure and Water Management on 1 July. At the same time, the Council, together with other European Advisory Councils, sent a letter about this to the European Commission.

The international traveler on the train
To make international travelers choose the train more often, an accessible, simple and clear booking process is required in which routes and prices of the different carriers are combined and are easy to compare. Passenger rights also need to be improved. So that travelers do not have to worry as much about a delay or a missed transfer.

Stimulate new international transport services
Europe has an open market for international trains. In practice, however, few new carriers present themselves. The Council therefore believes that the cabinet should promote new international train services more actively, if necessary by granting international concessions together with neighboring countries.

Make smarter use of rail capacity
In addition, existing rail capacity should be better utilized. More trains will fit on the track if the historically grown timetable is set up more intelligently. Information capacity can be increased even further with information technology. If competition eventually arises for the available capacity on the railways, between national and international traffic or between passenger and freight transport, then politics will then have to be considered where priority is given.

Invest in one eastern corridor
There is no fast rail connection to Germany. If existing track is upgraded to 160 or 200 km / h and is connected to the German network of fast ICE trains, considerable travel time gains can be achieved for international connections from the Netherlands. The council calls on the cabinet to make a route choice quickly.

International corridor approach
The Council believes that a European coordinated approach in international corridors is required for the main international connections, within which the same rules and agreements apply. In the long term, the Council believes that work should be done towards a European authority for cross-border rail traffic. The Council, together with other European Advisory Councils, has drawn attention to this from the European Commission.

Also read: Greece borders open but you will be screened first

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