Europe to Embrace Rail Transport in 2021, Designating it as the 'European Year of Rail'
🚀 Get ready for the European Year of Rail 2022! This year is all about championing trains as a sustainable, comfortable, and safe way to travel. It's the EU's mission to boost the number of people and goods traveling by rail, aligning with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Why choose the railways? Andreas Scheuer, the German Federal Minister for Transport and Digital Infrastructure, puts it simply: "There is every reason to choose the train." By prioritizing trains, we can reach our climate targets and ensure vital services continue even during unexpected crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
But it's not just about the environment. The European Year of Rail aims to raise awareness of the cross-border European dimension of rail transport, and its significant contributions to the EU's economy, industry, and society. The Commission is even considering launching feasibility studies on a European label to promote goods transported by rail and a rail connectivity index, similar to the current air transport index.
So, what can we expect during this year-long celebration? Expect infrastructure investments, digitalization, and standardization to make rail travel smoother, greener, and more efficient. Prepare for policy changes that incentivize the shift from road and air to rail, and engage in the conversation around rail's benefits in terms of safety, environmental impact, and economic competitiveness.
The European Year of Rail 2022 is more than just an initiative; it's a vital step towards making rail the backbone of sustainable, cross-border transport across Europe. Let's hop aboard and make rail travel a brand-new green choice!
Fun fact: The European Year of Rail concept debuted in 1983, with the first European Year (the year of SMEs and the craft industry). The 2022 edition aims to build on this legacy by promoting rail as a key transport mode for achieving the EU’s climate goals, reducing CO₂ emissions, and supporting a competitive, climate-neutral transport system across Europe.
- The European Year of Rail 2022 encourages a shift in transportation industry, prioritizing rail travel for its eco-friendly benefits as part of the EU's mission to combat climate-change.
- Going green doesn't only mean exploring environmental-science; it's also about understanding the science behind the rail industry's contribution to sustainable climate-change solutions.
- As the European Year of Rail unfolds, we anticipate increased finance allocated to infrastructure growth, digitalization, and standardization, fostering a more efficient and sustainable rail transportation system.
- The rail industry, while essential in addressing climate-change, also plays a significant role in the EU's economy, supporting vital services and contributing to the growth of the industry, making it a financially viable choice for transportation.
