Austria’s ÖEBB Nightjet sleeper trains to resume across Europe
Austrian Federal Railways will resume international ÖEBB Nightjet train services on Friday, June 26th. Europe’s biggest provider of sleeper services halted operations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Cities such as Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Zurich, and Venice will be among the first destinations to see Nightjet trains return. To ensure safety, trains will be thoroughly cleaned before and after every trip. Disinfectant and face coverings will be sold on-board. [railway-news.com]
California’s bullet-train project faces unprecedented woes
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, it wasn’t clear how California would pay for its dream of running 220-mph bullet trains from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Now, the project is as close to the precipice as it’s ever been. The California High-Speed Rail Authority faces two new threats: Its largest source of funding is evaporating and state legislators have attempted to derail the agency’s plans en masse. The culmination of woes has cast new doubt on the viability of the rail plan and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s strategy to focus on building the system’s Central Valley segment first. [sfchronicle.com]
A high speed train to take you from Lisbon to Helsinki – and further
A group of European economists has proposed that the European Union boost its economic recovery program to include, among other goals, an ultra-fast train network. Citing China’s Belt-and-Road Initiative as an example, the economsts envision four ultra-fast European railway lines traveling at an average speed of between 250 and 300 kilometers per hour. One of the proposed railway lines could extend from Lisbon – via Paris, Belgium, Berlin, and the Baltic States – to Helsinki. [innovationorigins.com]
New Zealand’s TranzAlpine rail service to resume on July 4
The acclaimed TranzAlpine train service between Christchurch and Greymouth will resume operation beginning July 4th after being suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service, which tours the snow-capped Southern Alps, last ran on March 22nd. KiwiRail says the TranzAlpine will operate a weekend and school holiday timetable in July and August as it continues to assess demand. Special winter discounts will be offered. [newshub.co.nz]
