The night train network in Europe is currently under-developed. Our workshop aims to show advantages that cities and regions can gain from good connections in an improved night train network, and which steps need to be taken. Some approaches will be made more accessible. Our speakers Elmer van Buuren (founder of European Sleeper), Siv Henriette Jacobsen (Governing Mayor of Viken County) and Catarina Erceg (visitBerlin) will illustrate practical experiences and the political dimension.
- Urban | Rural | Local and regional | International | Sustainable | Mobility and Transport
- Code: 11WS23391
- Jacques Delors building, JDE 51
Practical information
- When
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Wed 11/10/2023, 11:30 - 12:30 CET
- Where
- Jacques Delors building, JDE 51
- Type of partnership
- NONE
- Format
- Workshop
- Theme
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Breaking barriers to cross-border cooperation
- Language
- English
- Social media
-
@SenMVKUBerlin
Partner
Reporting
Session summary
As the European night train network is currently under-developed, the workshop aimed to show advantages that cities and regions can gain from good connections in an improved night train network, and which steps need to be taken.
The speakers Elmer van Buuren (founder of European Sleeper), Siv Henriette Jacobsen (governing mayor of the Norwegian region of Viken) and Catarina Erceg (visitBerlin) explained practical experiences and the political dimension. As a result of the lively discussion, the participants’ awareness of the topic was raised.Key take-aways from the discussion during the workshop include:
Night trains are getting more and more popular as a sustainable, comfortable and time-saving way of travelling.
Cities and regions are increasingly lobbying the national and European level for better night train connections – and they should do so with a joint voice.
Many challenges and barriers remain, including improved cooperation between national infrastructure managers in timetable coordination, funding and financing, in particular for new market entrants, and the availability of rolling stock.
Quotes
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It’s also about connectivity, about European coherence and integration, about being able to do business, about being able to travel. So this should also be a topic for the highest level to meet European goals in general.
Berlin is striving to be one of the most sustainable cities in Europe. And, of course, coming to the city is also very important - and that’s why train travel is essential.
Europe has been providing legal initiatives that go much further. It’s really important to look at the member states and to start implementing what is already there. And to start doing things.
Once you cross the border, the challenge is starting – it’s always about transnational challenges. We have to come together.
To have better conditions for trains in general - whether freight, passenger or night trains - should be high on the agenda.
We shouldn’t be ready when the earth has already exploded.
