Shining a light on one of the most sustainable, innovative, and safest modes of transport we have!
#europeanyearofrail
Why governments are hopping aboard the train
1. It’s all about the environment
2. Millennials are taking over the workforce
3. The rail industry is modernizing
Spotlight on France
At the same time, SNCF (France’s primary rail operator) placed an order for 12 hydrogen-electric trains. They are expected to enter into service by 2024 and have a range of 600km on non-electrified track sections. This is part of SNCF’s broader strategy to increase energy efficiency, make domestic mobility more sustainable and environmentally friendly by championing the use of hydrogen solutions.Here’s the great thing—there’s a lot of public support and positive sentiment across the country for this shift. In fact, on our own platform, we’re seeing that the majority of our customers in France (where we offer both flights and rail) opt for trains over flights on domestic routes (see chart below). We’re even seeing a 16% increase in the rail share of our bookings (from 52% to 68%) since the beginning of June alone. That’s why we integrated the complete SNCF straight into our platform so that our customers traveling around France can have access to their inventory in just a few clicks. We also offer special corporate fares, discounts, and loyalty cards for frequent travelers. Getting around France comfortably and sustainably just got easier, folks!
Train tech is taking the industry by storm
- Internet of Things motion-based sensors for trains and tracks. This will provide real-time data on the state of the train (high-speed trains or otherwise) and all of its infrastructure, including tracks. It will monitor damage and report the need for repairs, making it even safer.
- Autonomous trains could become a thing of the future. Don’t let self-driving cars get all the attention! These trains will feature advanced sensor technology, will reduce technical errors, and will improve traffic flow within the transit system. Talk about efficiency!
- Artificial intelligence will be used to provide emergency notifications. Predictive intelligence will help streamline schedules and minimize delays, making the entire rail network even safer.
- Decarbonization will play a serious role as we shift from diesel to battery technology, hydrogen fuel cells, and renewable energy to power trains. Solar and wind energy is currently being experimented with as a more responsible, low-carbon type of energy consumption.
- Virtual & augmented reality will make the traveler experience more immersive and interactive. It could offer travelers information on what they’re seeing through their windows, or fun facts about the infrastructure they’re crossing.
Oh yes, TravelPerk loves trains!
At TravelPerk, we have one of the largest train inventories on the market and cover over 85% of the routes you can take across Europe and the United States. Our awesome Concierge Service can also take care of the remaining 15% of routes we don’t have access to. So yeah, you could say that we’ve got you 100% covered on trains.We also help customers reclaim VAT for business travel expenses spent on train transport in Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. We make traveling by train as flexible as possible, giving customers the opportunity to change or cancel their journeys—no questions asked. It’s stress-free and great for the environment.Not to mention that our train users can be even greener. Not only are they opting to travel more sustainably, but they can also offset their carbon footprint! Green, carbon-neutral business travel has really never been easier.