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In the current context of trips to Europe, the train, however recognized for its low environmental impact, turns out to be an option often more expensive than the plane. This economic reality is all the more striking when we consider climate emergency and the need to reduce our carbon footprint. According to a recent study, choosing the train to move to Europe is, on average, to pay 2.5 times the price of a plane ticket. This observation raises crucial questions about pricing policies and incentives to adopt more sustainable travel behaviors.
The reasons for the high cost of the train in Europe
The high price of train journeys in Europe compared to the plane is explained by several factors. First of all, the railway tolls represent a significant part of the cost of train tickets. Indeed, railway companies must pay for the use of infrastructure, which is not the case for airlines which benefit from subsidies and tax exemptions. For example, the absence of kerosene tax and VAT on international flights leads to a distortion of competition.
Moreover, The lack of competition on certain rail lines limits the drop in prices. In some cases, travelers have no affordable train alternatives and therefore turn to the plane. Finally, the cost of maintenance of railway infrastructure is high, and these costs have repercussions on the price of tickets. These combined elements partly explain why train journeys can be financially dissuasive for many travelers.
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The plane, an economy but polluting option
Despite its negative environmental impact, the plane remains a popular option due to its competitive prices. Airlines at low cost provide call prices that challenge all competition, especially on short distance routes very popular. For example, a flight between Marseille and London can cost as little as 15 euros, while a train ticket for the same journey can reach 188 euros.
This tariff disparity is often accentuated by the fact that the cost of luggage is often included in the price of train tickets, while it is a supplement for flights. Thus, although the plane contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, its low entry cost seduces a number of travelers concerned with their budget. This situation poses a dilemma to consumers wishing to minimize their environmental impact while respecting their financial constraints.
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The train, champion of ecology
The train is widely recognized as the most environmentally friendly mode of transport. According to ADEME, a TGV route emits only 2.9 grams of CO2 per passenger-kilometer, against 331 grams for a short distance plane. In addition, electric trains, which dominate in Europe, use renewable energy sources, which further reduces their ecological impact.
The choice of train is therefore a responsible decision for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint. However, the question of cost remains a major obstacle. To encourage the use of the train, it would be necessary to review pricing policies and further subsidize rail infrastructure. These measures would help make the train more competitive in front of the plane, while promoting a more sustainable mode of transport.
Policies and incentives for sustainable transport
To reverse the current trend, political measures could make the train more attractive. One of the proposed solutions is to put an end to the tax exemptions from which the air sector benefits, while increasing the tax on plane tickets. This would compensate for the current economic advantages of the plane, making the train more competitive.
In parallel, public investments in railway infrastructure could reduce operating costs for operators, making it possible to lower ticket prices. Another track could consist in developing international rail links, making the train more accessible and attractive to European travelers. These initiatives would be essential to align transport choices on long -term environmental objectives.
Faced with the reality of transportation costs in Europe, the question arises: how to encourage a greater number of travelers to choose the train without giving their budget? Political decisions and upcoming investments will play a crucial role in the orientation of transport choices towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly options. Is the transition to greener mobility possible without sacrificing economic accessibility for consumers?
The author relied on artificial intelligence to enrich this article.
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