Europe Spends More on Roads than Rails (with Real Time History)
Feb 2, 2024
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Discussion on the disparity between road and rail spending in Europe, including the decline of railway infrastructure in Berlin and the privatization of former train stations in East Germany. Exploration of the challenges and potential impacts of a rail infrastructure program. Highlight of the chronic shortage of train drivers in the Netherlands and the idea of automating train lines. Importance of maintenance in rail infrastructure and the benefits of clock face scheduling. Exploration of the decline and subsequent revival of night trains in Europe.
38:43
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Quick takeaways
European countries spend twice as much on roads than rails, leading to poorly functioning train networks.
Historical neglect and political decisions have resulted in the dismantling of railways in Germany, reducing accessibility and convenience for commuters.
Deep dives
Lack of Investment in European Railways
The podcast discusses the lack of investment in European railways, particularly in Germany, and the consequences of prioritizing road construction over railway development. A report mentioned in the podcast reveals that for every one euro spent on building railways in Europe, they spent 1.6 euros on building roads. The lack of investment in trains has led to problems such as train cancellations, delays, and infrastructure issues. The report also highlights that between 1995 and 2018, the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Berlin, and the UK spent 1.5 trillion euros on road extensions, compared to 930 billion euros on rail networks. This underinvestment has resulted in the closure of train stations and the reduction of regional passenger railway lines.
Effects of Decreased Rail Investments in Germany
The podcast explores the personal experiences of one of the speakers, who grew up in East Germany, regarding the declining state of railways in Germany. Due to political reasons and a lack of investment, the railway network in East Germany was gradually dismantled. Tram tracks were demolished, and many train stations were sold off to private individuals. Similar neglect of rail infrastructure occurred in West Berlin as well. These decisions have had irreversible consequences, leading to reduced accessibility and convenience for commuters. The speaker also mentions that the German traffic ministry has historically opposed low emission regulation goals for cars and SUVs, indicating a preference for road travel over rail travel.
Infrastructure Program and Future Prospects
The podcast highlights an infrastructure program initiated by Deutsche Bahn and the German government to address the underinvestment in rail infrastructure. The program aims to allocate additional funds of up to 45 billion euros for railway projects, including the reopening of closed rail lines, creation of new corridors, and the upgrade to European train control systems. While this investment is commendable, it is noted that it still brings the rail investment closer to road investment, signaling the scale of catch-up required. The speakers also discuss the challenges Deutsche Bahn faces, such as the shortage of train drivers and the overwhelming maintenance backlog. However, with a political vision and future-oriented planning, there is hope for a brighter future for German trains, although the current decade may be marked by necessary but painful disruptions.
Importance of Political Will and Shift in Priorities
The podcast emphasizes the need for a shift in political priorities to prioritize rail travel over road travel. It is highlighted that the preference for cars and lack of investment in trains is not inherent or natural, but rather a result of political decisions and funding priorities. The conversation touches on the benefits of efficient rail systems, including clock-face scheduling, as seen in Switzerland. Additionally, the speakers discuss the need for automation and the potential for self-driving trains, which would lead to increased efficiency, frequency, and reliability. The importance of public transportation access for all socioeconomic groups is also highlighted, as well as the role of the European Union in promoting interconnectedness and expanding rail travel options.
Europe is known for its train networks, and the EU has been promoting trains as the preferred mode of travel. But the train networks are not functioning well, and it's not a coincidence that many EU countries are spending twice as much on roads than they do on rails.
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