High-Speed Rail Network Push Blurs European Borders

"Despite the popularity of Europe's fast trains, making connections across national borders remains surprisingly complicated. For example, passengers on France's Trains à Grande Vitesse, or TGVs, can't easily make reservations for connecting high-speed trains in neighboring Germany or take a TGV from, say, the southern French city of Montpellier to Barcelona in northern Spain. But now, Pépy says, 'The idea of a European network of high-speed rail is at last being realized. It will be a real alternative to air travel.'"

"Last July seven operators banded together to form Railteam, an alliance that is working to create a seamless, high-speed network across a large swath of Western Europe. Functioning much like an airline alliance, Railteam is setting up a common reservation system that's set to begin operations in 2009. It is also helping member railways coordinate their schedules to reduce layover times. A frequent-traveler program will even be offered -- another page from the airlines' playbook."