To celebrate the European Year of Rail 2021, a special train will stop in more than 100 towns and cities in 26 countries across the continent aiming to draw attention to the benefits of rail in both the passenger and freight sectors.
Connecting Europe Express train will start its journey from Lisbon today [02 September], passing through 23 Member States and three neighbouring European countries, before arriving in Paris, its final destination, on 07 October.
Fernando Medina, mayor of Lisbon, said: “It is with great joy that Lisbon is the departure station for the Connecting Europe Express. It will undoubtedly be a memorable journey from Lisbon to Paris, connecting 26 countries in 36 days.
“Lisbon has long been committed to sustainable mobility, and this train adventure is a moment of strong significance for our city. EU commitment to the railway sets us on the right track to fight climate change. It is greener and more sustainable, but also more comfortable, cheaper and safer transportation. All aboard, and safe journey!”
The project feeds into the EU’s goal, set out under the European Green Deal, of encouraging a ‘shift to rail’ across the continent in order to decarbonise transport flows and increase sustainable mobility.
European Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, added: “Rail has shaped our rich, common history. But, rail is also Europe’s future, our route to mitigating climate change and powering economic recovery from the pandemic, as we build a carbon-neutral transport sector.
“Over the coming weeks, the Connecting Europe Express will become a rolling conference, laboratory and forum for public debate on how to make rail the transport mode of choice for passengers and businesses alike. Please give us a warm welcome when we stop at a railway station near you.”
