The Bottom Line

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Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

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The Bottom Line: The Age of the Train?

02/11/2023

The Age of the Train?

BBC Radio 4 - The Bottom Line, The Age of the Train?

Could long-distance trains become a serious competitor to the plane?

Could we be on the verge of a new 'age of the train'? Evan Davis and guests discuss the resurgence of long distance and sleeper trains in Europe.

For most people, the aeroplane is the default mode of long distance transport  Whilst the UK has only two overnight sleeper services, long distance train travel and sleeper services are experiencing a resurgence in Europe.   One company OBB, the Austrian State Railway has just ordered thirty new trains, some of which will be in service from December.  But are these services mainly for train aficionados, romantics and those scared of flying, or could they become a serious competitor to the plane?


Evan Davis and guests discuss what's behind this apparent new 'Age of the Train'.
GUESTS

Kurt Bauer, Head of Long Distance Passenger Services and New Rail Business, OBB/Nightjet

Michael Guerra, Rail Design Engineer and Co-founder, Night X

Monisha Rajesh, Travel journalist and Author, 'Around the World in 80 Trains'

Reporter:  Lisa Louis

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer:   Julie Ball

Editor : China Collins

Sound:  Neil Churchill and Rod Farquhar

Production Co-ordinator:  Gemma Ashman

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