Efforts to improve Europe's network of high-speed rail systems may also result in loosened border crossing rules.
"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."
FULL STORY: High-Speed Trains Erode Europe's Borders

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