~ Paris ~ Gare du Nord le matin ~ Uploaded by Janey Kay on 27 Oct 09, 9.55PM BST.
Apart from everything else the eruption beneath Iceland’s Eyjafjallajoekull glacier and the ash cloud it created that forced airspace closures across northern Europe throws up in the air an unprecedented opportunity for transport policy makers and lobbyists – albeit perhaps not the ones from the airline industry.
Travelling overland – and especially by rail – has a number of advantages that are rarely presented in a convincing manner and I find it a bit disappointing. The volcano eruption and the travel chaos it left in its wake bring to sharp focus our reliance on air travel in a time when trains can be a lot more sustainable, safe and relaxed (considering the chaos of the security restrictions) to name just a few of the positives.
I’m not trying to say that air travel is bad. I think it has a purpose and it’s great. However, it seems to have taken over the world and the balance is gone in… (pun intended) in a cloud of smoke.
Lower costs in flights, constantly lower investments into rail networks and exorbitant train ticket prices (to name just a few) have left rail with an image of a dilapidated ancient system that has little to offer. Projects about high speed rail are announced again and again and then seem to go away quietly into the night. While on the other hand airport expansion plans abound and seem to progress quickly. What can the rail industry do better I wonder in terms of lobbying and engagement?
The profound disruption of these last few days is a marvellous opportunity for a media, policy and public affairs offensive from the rail industry which I don’t see happening (at least in the public domain). The situation is a perfect storm and a blessing in disguise for alternative means of travel and not just for the rail industry. Sustainability experts, green lobbyists, related trade associations, politicians with an alternative and sustainable travel agenda where are you?
I’m just wondering when we’re going to see them get out there and make their arguments.
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