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A Renewed Interest In Railroads
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<p> I am fortunate to live in a country, where rail travel is still very much a part of every day life, although much of the network has been closed down over the past thirty years. Our skyrocketing gas prices have turned taking the train into a valid economic choice. Incredibly low air fares, however, have posted a serious threat to long distance travel by train in Europe. Only the outbreak of Iceland´s Eyjafjallajokul volcano and the subsequent ban of air travel in all of northern Europe for nearly a week has shown people, that traveling by train is also a viable choice for long distance. Bear in mind, though, that long distance is any distance above 300 miles here at this side of the Big Pond. With the distances given in Canada and the US, Europe cannot act as a role model for rail service, for both freight and passenger service. </p><p>I see a better future for rail services in the commuter and short or medium distance traveling, providing that train stations are linked to a working public transport system in downtown areas, not only in terms of physical logistics, but also in terms of tariffs and fares. My train ticket to Hamburg allows me to use all of Hamburg´s subways, buses and commuter trains. This system was introduced about 5 years ago, effecting a doubling of passenger numbers! Going into downtown Hamburg by train takes only half of the time you need when going by car, at about half of the cost as well.<br></p><p>Much of the necessary infrastructure has been taken down in the US or is in a desolate state of repair. It will be a tremendous task to revamp the system up to a level, where it once was. The first step, however, is to gain the society´s acceptance for the public funds this will require - not an easy job!<br></p>
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