Summer vacations have already begun, and that means travellers have started planning their much-awaited trips. One of the most popular destinations people love to visit is Europe. If you’re planning to go too, then here’s something you should know — travelling across Europe by train may soon become much easier. The European Union has announced a major proposal that could change the way people book train journeys across the continent. Read on to know more!
How Will Train Travel Across Europe Become Easier?
Right now, different railway companies in Europe sell their tickets separately on their own websites. So if you are travelling across multiple countries, you often have to visit different sites to book each part of your journey. But that’s about to change soon.
According to News18, the EU plans to make railway companies sell rival companies’ tickets on their own websites. It also wants railway operators to share travel data with booking platforms. This new plan will help passengers compare routes, check connections, and buy tickets for multi-country journeys in one place.
Also Read: Planning A Europe Backpacking Trip? Zostel Has You Covered With Budget Stays In 20+ Destinations
Why Some People Are Against This Plan?
EU transport chief Apostolos Tzitzikostas said that the new plan will make travelling across all 27 EU countries simpler and more convenient for train passengers. News18 reported that as per the proposal, big railway companies that control at least 50% of their country’s rail market will have to show tickets and services of other train companies.
However, this plan is not as easy to implement as it seems. The Community of European Railways (CER), which is a group representing railway companies, has strongly opposed this idea. Its head, Alberto Mazzola, said he does not agree with forcing companies to sell tickets of their competitors.
Despite the opposition, many European lawmakers support this proposal. Vivien Costanzo said that booking train journeys across different European countries is still too complicated. She believes Europe should make booking easier.
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: Europe Summer Plans? Apply Early As Schengen Visa Slots See Limited Availability And 8-Week Delays
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Truecreatives
FAQs
What is the major upgrade Europe is planning to bring in train travel?
In a major upgrade, Europe has now come up with a plan for a single ticket to travel across countries.
Why are some people against the single-ticket change in European train travel?
Some railway groups oppose the plan because they don’t want to be forced to sell tickets of competing companies on their own platforms.
How will a single-ticket train system benefit tourists travelling across Europe?
It will make travel easier for tourists by allowing them to book multi-country train journeys in one place instead of using different websites.