One project could revolutionize future transportation in Europe–good news even for those who don’t like to fly. But it would be better to use the future (won’t love), since we would have to wait years to see it come to life. Let’s say a good thing for the little ones of today, who in many years will be able to take the train from Milan to Lisbon and beyond…
The 21st Europe research center project
21st Europe’s Starline network plans to connect 39 European cities, with lines that will also reach the United Kingdom, Portugal and Spain. A number of high-speed trains depart in Italy, especially from Milan, but this recently announced proposal envisions a more ambitious plan for rail links: it would in fact be a high-speed rail network similar to a subway.
Called Starline, it aims to overcome the slowness of certain rail links and compete with air travel. The Milan-Lisbon flight currently takes 3 hours, but we must also factor in the time it takes to reach the airport and pass through security. It is estimated that with Starline, transportation will be 30 percent faster than current wheeled and rail travel, with trains operating at 300-400 km/h.
“Designed like a subway, [Starline] changes the way Europeans perceive their continent: not as a collection of distant capitals, but as a single, fast-moving network where every link, both for people and goods, is easily accessible.”, the think tank tells Euronews.
When operational
21st Europe aims to have the network operational within this century, but building such a Europe-wide system involves collaborations between the various governments of the countries involved and major investments.
The design of the train
21st Europe proposes a unified design, which they say is essential for a cross-border network. Blue trains, carriages not divided by class but by needs, e.g., dedicated areas for families.
New stations will be built just outside major cities with connections and become cultural hubs with well-designed restaurants, stores and waiting areas, as well as concert halls, museums, sports facilities and event spaces.