Dutch Norwegian Business Network’s Post

High-quality passenger rail demonstrates how competitiveness doesn't have to sacrifice sustainability. But to ensure that trains can truly replace short-haul flights, it is crucial to level the playing field between rail and aviation. Making this happen will take a coordinated effort between local, regional and European levels of government. Cities are already on board with rail and they're calling on the European institutions to get on board, too! https://lnkd.in/eEaub4VW #rail #train #TrainTravel #PassengerRail #mobility #SustainableMobility Eurocities Cities Today City of Amsterdam

https://lnkd.in/eiUwkAtB The decision by the Netherlands to enforce a reduction of 5,000 overnight flights at Schiphol Airport and ban loud aircraft at night is a significant step with both positive and negative implications. Positive Aspects: 1. Environmental Impact: Reducing the number of flights and banning loud aircraft will likely decrease noise pollution, which can substantially benefit local residents' health and well-being. Noise reduction can lead to better sleep, lower stress levels, and improved overall quality of life. 2. Climate Change: Reducing flights contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader climate goals and commitments to reduce the aviation industry's environmental footprint. 3. Community Relations: This move demonstrates responsiveness to residents' concerns near the airport, potentially improving relations between the airport authorities and the local community. Negative aspects: 1. Economic Impact: Schiphol Airport is a critical hub for international travel and trade. Reducing the number of flights could lead to significant economic consequences, including job losses in the aviation and related sectors. Businesses that rely on the airport's operations, such as airlines, cargo companies, and airport retail, may suffer revenue declines. This could also affect local economies that depend on the airport for employment and business opportunities. 2. Operational Challenges for Airlines: Airlines may face substantial logistical challenges in adapting to the new regulations. They would need to reschedule flights, possibly at less convenient times, which could lead to increased operational costs. These changes might also disrupt passengers' travel plans, leading to dissatisfaction and potential loss of customers. 3. Competitiveness and Market Share: The restrictions at Schiphol could make it less attractive to airlines, which might choose to redirect their flights to other major European airports with fewer restrictions. This shift could reduce Schiphol's competitive edge and its status as a major international aviation hub, potentially leading to a long-term decline in its market share. 4. Impact on Cargo and Logistics: The reduction in overnight flights could significantly impact the cargo and logistics sectors, which often rely on nighttime operations to meet delivery schedules and maintain supply chain efficiency. Delays and increased costs in cargo handling could have ripple effects on various industries, from manufacturing to retail, that depend on timely deliveries. 5. Travel Convenience: For passengers, especially those on long-haul flights or connecting through Schiphol, the reduction in overnight flights could result in fewer travel options and less convenient schedules. This could make Schiphol a less appealing option for travelers. What do you think about the decision?

The procrastination, the politics and the public purse around now dubbed Melbourne Airport Rail has been around almost as long at the existence of Melbourne Airport ‘Tullamarine’ est. 1970! Today’s media managed concession by Melbourne Airport with a nod to an above ground rail terminal at MEL, turns the cards back over for Govt and aka Vic & federal taxpayer, for the next hand. The alignment to MELs 3rd runway development which forms a major part of its futuristic plans to take pax volumes to double to ~76 million annually in under 20-years time, has always meant land transport links to Victoria’s most important asset need to get resolved. And that clock is ticking. ‘In the interests of getting it done’ is a fair line in the State of the big build & infrastructure overruns and yet our tourism & visitor economy as an oft ignored pillar! We’re all pro a sound Airport rail afterall. Parking the politics, let’s hope some of the other really important stuff now starts to get a look in. The history of airport trains in Australia - in particular - Sydney and Brisbane - has been chequered. High cost, little initial patronage & not exactly a customer friendly product with Sydney’s AirTrain on the Cronulla line, providing no dedicated carriages for luggage, once little signage or integrated ticketing & still peak hour crush with commuters. But lots use it in Sydney now basically two-decades on, but many also bemoan what could have been. When travelling solo I always use it for Sydney business. Humble but works if much more challenging in a family or group setting. So this is a challenge for elected officials and non-seen bureaucrats for Melbs which Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) have correctly called out for eons…. Don’t forget the customer inc. Int’l and interstate flyers in all of this? Afterall, we’ll have major competition from Western Sydney International Airport in under two-years, shiny and new & 24/7 in Australia’s ‘traditional’ air gateway. So for MEL is it a suburban rail line or a first rate airport transfer system? As we’ll go the hybrid given the taxpayer investment, let’s also keep a visitor economy lens on this if we can, albeit suddenly it is about the dollars, which it always has been. The actual future cost, build timetable & a preparedness to debate Melb Airport Rail’s final planning direction and offering. Seamless from Airport to CBD is logic but actually running via Sunshine hasn’t had a decent public airing. Although there are obvious Melb West economic advantages. Will any of this now all go to the heart of what we may actually get in around (maybe) a decade’s time. #melbourne #airportrail #melbourneairport #vicpol #auspol #elections #election2026 #ausbiz #aviation #airports #airlines #customer #visitoreconomy #visitvictoria #utopia #airlinepassenger #rail

Europe Jumps On the Train: Night trains are experiencing a resurgence across Europe as travelers seek more environmentally friendly alternatives to flying. European Sleeper, a Dutch cooperative, recently launched a new overnight route from Brussels to Prague, extending its existing service to Berlin. The 13-hour journey traverses Germany in refurbished 1970s-era carriages, accommodating up to 600 passengers. Bart Poels, head of service, reports high demand with most routes fully booked through September. Passengers are citing various reasons for choosing night trains, including reduced carbon footprint, city center-to-center convenience, and cost savings on hotel accommodations, El Pais reports. The diverse clientele includes executives, families, and retirees. This revival comes after years of decline in night train services. Austrian railway OBB's Nightjet brand, launched in 2016, has also sparked renewed interest in overnight rail travel. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the trend as travelers sought alternatives to flying. European officials are supporting the expansion of cross-border rail connections. The European Commission has backed pilot projects for more frequent and affordable services, while the European Investment Bank has provided loans for new equipment purchases. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport managed to avoid the worst during the massive tech outage last week that grounded flights around the world. But delays persisted for days afterward. More on this story, and other local business news, on this week's BizWorthy. #charlotte #businessnews #news

AirTrain fares to drop by 50% this summer amid JFK construction Those of you who have been to - or through - New York's Kennedy (JFK) Airport anytime over the past fifteen months or so know that its passenger terminal area is being heavily reconstructed. (The reconstruction is projected to cost $19 billion, incidentally). This reconstruction has impacted both driving and public transportation to and from the airport. Terminal One, for instance, has not had a parking garage since last year, and the airport's connecting inter-terminal and off-airport train (called the Air Train) did not operate at Terminal One last summer. Road delays and parking issues - and possibly Air Train issues - can be expected this summer. So, to encourage people to avoid the driving and parking issues, the price of an Air Train ride between the airport and connecting local bus, subway (metro) rail, and commuter rail trains has been halved between now and September 2nd. The new fare will be $4.25 per ride. As someone who has spent more than a little time researching Air Train usage, I think this is a good idea. This article was posted by NY1 News on June 28, 2024 and was reported by E. Hernandez. The decision to lower the fare was made by New York State's Governor K. Hochul and The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which operates the airport. #airtrain #airportrail #newyorkcity #airports https://lnkd.in/eTNUNYAH

The EU is currently investing billions in rail infrastructure, introducing new high-speed trains and tracks to meet growing demand. With usage expected to double in the next five years, what can travelers expect from this new age of rail travel?

What makes a good EU-wide railway system for consumers? 🚂 Railways are making something of a comeback in Europe at the moment, with initiatives springing up like European Sleeper's new Brussels->Prague night train service. But the real salvation of the train will require ambitious political measures that will restore the railways to their former glory and beyond. On the eve of the European elections, we are calling for a 'European Masterplan for Rail'. Rolled out over time, it will make aid to railway companies conditional on the implementation of concrete improvement measures for passengers. Our call has already been echoed by Europe's Transport Ministers, who this week called for a master plan to make rail the backbone of the EU's mobility: https://lnkd.in/dibvqdYx Read more about Robin Loos' experience on that inaugural night train to Prague and what we recommend to get rail fully back on track: https://lnkd.in/eWccV_dc

Europe Jumps On the Train: Night trains are experiencing a resurgence across Europe as travelers seek more environmentally friendly alternatives to flying. European Sleeper, a Dutch cooperative, recently launched a new overnight route from Brussels to Prague, extending its existing service to Berlin. The 13-hour journey traverses Germany in refurbished 1970s-era carriages, accommodating up to 600 passengers. Bart Poels, head of service, reports high demand with most routes fully booked through September. Passengers are citing various reasons for choosing night trains, including reduced carbon footprint, city center-to-center convenience, and cost savings on hotel accommodations, El Pais reports. The diverse clientele includes executives, families, and retirees. This revival comes after years of decline in night train services. Austrian railway OBB's Nightjet brand, launched in 2016, has also sparked renewed interest in overnight rail travel. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the trend as travelers sought alternatives to flying. European officials are supporting the expansion of cross-border rail connections. The European Commission has backed pilot projects for more frequent and affordable services, while the European Investment Bank has provided loans for new equipment purchases. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

🚅 To make train travel a truly competitive option, it is crucial to level the playing field between rail and aviation, ensuring that trains can effectively replace short-haul flights. Will we see a return to the ‘golden age’ of rail? 👉 https://lnkd.in/duz_9BRT Eurocities Gemeente Amsterdam #rail #train #sustainablemobility