The guzzling Choo-choo has turned into an efficient Whiiiizz!

       

Further reading

• Is France's Energy-Guzzling TGV Prototype the Right Answer? (180)
• High Speed Rail Overview (160)
• The “GreenTrain” Program (88)

Trains have changed tremendously over the years and are well prepared to take up the fight at least with short-haul flights. One of the reasons is the energy efficiency and the fact that they have the advantage of their propulsion being totally carbon-free - something the airline industry can only dream about.

Modern trains (whiiizz) are 40-50% faster than the old loco-pulled variations and still use 30% less energy, and the industry is planning for more.

In France, the TGV-est took off this weekend and will connect a huge part of France with Paris (and vice versa) and at a speed of up to 320 km/h. Do you remember that Stevenson's first loco was called the Rocket? It peaked at some 60 km/h. The TGV has peaked at almost 575 km/h! However, some still dwell on the fact that even the fastest high-speed trains are slower than aircraft, but all things considered (especially terminal handling) it makes all the difference.

Now, we only hope for an improved co-operation between different country's railway systems. That is the Achilles-heel today. It is possible to plan across borders with the use of internet, but you still cannot order the tickets, and when you see how often you have to change trains, it is certainly discouraging.

Image: Two rockets, 178 years apart.