Train Rides Through Europe – Which Changes Do the Passengers Need?

In view of climate change, the expansion of European rail transport is important. Compared to air travel, comparatively few people travel by train on trans-European routes. This paper summarizes findings from a focus-group study which was conducted to explore problems and requirements of European train travelling. During the focus group discussion, five participants aged 24–61 years were asked about their experiences with European train travel and the problems they face today. Additionally, they discussed which changes and potential measures could increase their train usage in the future. Results from the study show that the participants would like to travel by train through Europe, but some obstacles prevent them from doing so. They mentioned the high ticket prices, the lack of an integrated European booking platform and the lack of comfort at stations and on the trains. They also criticize long in-vehicle travel times, long transfer times, missing information, and overcrowded trains. Their stated requirements for using rail for inner-European journeys more often include a unified and consistent ticketing system, faster travel times, coordinated connections, and accessibility to rural areas, rather than just big cities. For longer journeys, participants prefer comfortable stations and trains where they can work, better information, consistently-available contact persons and the possibility to drop-off their luggage.