‘Important role for UK as host country climate summit’ • Who is on board the ‘climate train’?
The climate train to Glasgow has passed through the Channel and arrived in England. Meanwhile, on board speak out about the rivalry in planes and trains.
“We would like to see a level playing field (a fair playing field, ed.) between aviation and train traffic,” says Heike Luiten, director of NS International. “One train to Glasgow is good for six flights,” says Luiten. A lot is already happening, she says. For example, there will be more high-speed trains in Europe, including night trains.
The price differences between air travel and train travel are still large. The plane to Glasgow costs a few tens, if you book well in advance. The train costs a multiple. The price difference is due to, among other things, flying much less tax than on train traffic. Ans Rietstra of ProRail believes that the European Commission should tackle this problem.
“You need a director to ensure that the train becomes an attractive alternative. As far as I am concerned, the European Commission takes on this role.” Rietstra thinks that the train should be a good alternative for anyone who travels up to 700 kilometers.