We’ve been spoilt for choice in the European train travel department recently, haven’t we? A whole host of handy new rail routes have been popping up, ready to speedily and sustainably whisk passengers across the continent. And it seems as though that won’t be stopping any time soon, as a new highly rapid (and highly-ambitious) rail network has just been proposed. And it might just have some of the other continental cross-border services quaking in their boots wheels.
The latest locomotive news comes courtesy of Copenhagen-based think tank, 21st Europe. They’ve recently revealed plans for a new Tube-style rail network that will span the length and breadth of the continent. The service aims to link 39 countries across a whopping 22,000km via a series of Tube-style lines.
Starline is the name and conveniently connecting the continent is the (proposed) game. With estimated speeds of between 186-249mphthe service would drastically cut down journey times between popular European cities. The team behind the plans say that the new network could also ease the demand on low-cost airlines and lessen the amount of short-haul flights being taken by up to 80% by offering a more affordable and more sustainable alternative.
The trains
The design of the shiny new trains will take inspiration from the EU flag – bright blue with stars along the sides of the carriages. On the inside, they’re opting for functional over fancywith simplistic décor, comfy seating, and different areas to accommodate the needs of different travellers. There will be dedicated quiet zones as well as specific family-friendly areas, and there will also be cafes on board, too.
The routes
The network is set to be built on existing railways infrastructure and the trains will journey across the continent via five lines running on a single timetable. The proposed lines will run between Naples and Helsinki, Lisbon and Kyiv, Madrid and Istanbul, Dublin and Kyiv, and Milan and Oslo. If all goes to plan, the UK will have stations in London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin. The eventual plan is for every country in Europe to be served by at least one station on the Starline network.
The system will be publicly-funded and privately-operated and will be powered by renewable sources, rather than relying on national grids. No ticket pricing has yet been revealed by 21st Europe have suggested that tickets will be significantly lower than the cost of other rail services and short-haul flights. And if the plans get the go ahead, the speedy service could be up and running by 2040. Pretty exciting, hey?
Read more about 21st Europe’s proposed Starline plans here.
