Numerous new rail routes have been introduced in recent years, facilitating travel across European borders.
However, a bold proposal from a Copenhagen-based think tank aims to revolutionize the continent’s train connections.
Dubbed Starline, this vision by 21st Europe envisions a high-speed rail network spanning Europe, operating similar to a metro or tube system.
The goal is to transform the current fragmented and slow rail infrastructure into a fast and efficient system that can compete with air travel.
The think tank emphasizes that a fully integrated rail system is not just about convenience but a strategic necessity for Europe’s resilience in the 21st century.
The plan is to have the network operational within this century, but the feasibility of this ambitious vision remains to be seen.
Creating a Europe-wide Metro System
A Europe-wide rail system is highly desired by travelers, with a growing demand for open and accessible travel experiences.
Despite the public demand, cross-border travel currently faces challenges such as fragmentation, slowness, and high costs.
Efforts like the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) are already underway to unify infrastructure across Europe.
The new system is projected to be 30% faster than road and current rail travel, with trains operating at speeds of 300-400 km/h – 21st Europe
However, 21st Europe believes that current initiatives lack ambition and design, leading to a fragmented passenger experience and missed opportunities to make rail a defining feature of Europe.
The group emphasizes the importance of a unified design for a cross-border network, citing the need for connected stations and consistent train designs.
They envision a system where mobility is both functional and iconic, similar to Japanese bullet trains or Scandinavian airports.
Starline Trains Set to Revolutionize Travel Times
The Starline network, spanning 22,000 kilometers, aims to connect 39 destinations across European countries, including the UK, Turkey, and Ukraine.
With trains operating at speeds of 300-400 km/h, the new system promises travel times that are 30% faster than current options.
Passengers could potentially travel from Helsinki to Berlin in just over five hours, a significant improvement from current journey durations.
The carriages will be designed to cater to different needs, with spaces for quiet zones and family-friendly sections – 21st Europe
The trains will feature a deep blue livery for easy recognition, and stations will be built outside major cities with connections to urban transport systems.
These stations are envisioned as cultural hubs, offering amenities such as restaurants, shopping, and well-designed waiting areas, as well as entertainment venues.
Environmental Benefits of Starline
21st Europe sees Starline as an environmental initiative, aiming to address Europe’s significant climate challenges related to transportation.
High-speed rail has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions significantly compared to short-haul flights, making it a more sustainable option.
The group believes that a bold shift to high-speed rail could help Europe achieve its 2050 net-zero goals while providing fast and green mobility options.
Publicly-Funded Franchise Model for Starline
To make Starline a reality, 21st Europe proposes central coordination for trains, passenger experience, and technology, with national rail operators running routes under a franchise model.
The project will be publicly funded and overseen by a new European Rail Authority (ERA) within the EU framework to ensure coordination, interoperability, and long-term expansion of the system.
The group emphasizes the importance of a unified design for a cross-border network. – Eropa abad ke-21 mengatakan bahwa untuk berfungsi sebagai sistem Eropa, Starline memerlukan perjanjian kerja yang diselaraskan, standar teknis, dan regulasi keselamatan.
– “Ini berarti operator kereta, kru pemeliharaan, dan staf stasiun akan dilatih di bawah kerangka Eropa bersama, memastikan konsistensi operasional tanpa memandang di mana mereka bekerja.”
– Ini adalah proposal yang sangat ambisius, tetapi think tank percaya bahwa hal itu bisa menjadi kenyataan pada akhir abad ini.
– “Sekarang, kami mulai membangun jaringan untuk mendorong perubahan nyata, mengumpulkan pembuat kebijakan, desainer, dan pemimpin industri untuk mengubah visi menjadi tindakan.”
– Koreksi: Versi sebelumnya dari artikel ini secara keliru menyatakan bahwa Eropa abad ke-21 bertujuan untuk memiliki jaringan tersebut beroperasi pada tahun 2040.