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

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

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