In the last 10 years I assisted to the development of the train network around Lisbon, which has had splendid results: the upgrade of existing lines, a new express system to the south and a new rapid transit system where I live (also in the south). This has been an immense task within a highly car-centric culture; popular opposition is very strong and in some cases managed to delay projects by more than 2 years. But once the systems are in place they become rapidly popular.
These rail networks will indeed help Europe fare through the next oil crisis. I personally feel a good amount of hope reading this stuff.
But commuting is just on aspect of our transport systems' dependence on oil, another, perhaps more important, is freight. In Europe freight, especially in long distances, is made by semi-trailer diesel trucks that cram highways and speedways on weekdays. Can we change from that to rail? How?
So here's a request for you to take on freight rail one of these days. If you had already written about it, just leave a link. Thanks. Vencit omnia veritas.
I hope you'll write us a diary about that one day!
So here's a request for you to take on freight rail one of these days. If you had already written about it, just leave a link.
You'll find a full list of train diaries on ET at the bottom of my previous. The most relevant may be A Sound Transport Policy (Not in The EU) by me and The glorious comeback of the freight train by bastiaan, while the comments of High Speed Trains by richardk contain a discussion of issues of interoperability which are highly relevant to European long-distance freight too. There is Heavy Haul by me too, but that's not about policy, just some technology. *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
*Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
When I find the time I'll write story on it, it will be a pleasure. Vencit omnia veritas.
