Jon Worth2nd day at #ConnectingEuropeDays talking “urban nodes” (aka cities) and their connections to the EU Trans European Networks. It’s a jargon soup at the start.
“Every urban node needs a SUMP by 2027” (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan) And These 431 nodes have to submit data. This largely makes sense, but the devil is going to be in the detail here. #ConnectingEuropeDays
Certain criteria that each urban node has a multimodal transport “hub” by 2030. Not the worst idea. Is the Commission going to check it happens? Each has to have a multimodal freight terminal too. #ConnectingEuropeDays
Want to know if your city is an urban node? Here’s the PDF list: https://transport.ec.europa.eu/document/download/40f52207-d2d1-4cbf-9392-b61f37309ee8_en?filename=52022PC0384-ANNEX-2.pdf #ConnectingEuropeDays
Catherine Trautmann is a very experienced politician, now a TEN-T coordinator. But she still reads a speech *on a panel*. A panel ought to be a conversation. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_Trautmann?wprov=sfti1# #ConnectingEuropeDays
I thought the rail freight stuff was abstract yesterday. This TEN-T and urban nodes stuff today is worse. I’m totally lost. #ConnectingEuropeDays
We are proud to be an urban node, and won a prize for our urban mobility plan says Elke Van Den Brandt, Minister of Mobility and Public Works of Brussels. But can Brussels better join itself up with others? Like improving sustainable links to Germany for example?
#ConnectingEuropeDays
#ConnectingEuropeDays
Give Elke Van Den Brandt her due: urban mobility in Brussels is massively improving. It’s so much better to cycle here than it used to be. #ConnectingEuropeDays
There must be some middle ground between broad brush political rhetoric and a soup of acronyms from officials. We’re definitely not finding it here though. #ConnectingEuropeDays
Some dude just tried to pitch hyperloop to me. “I don’t believe in hyperloop” I told him. I’m pretty sure I’m about the worst person he could have found. #ConnectingEuropeDays
Now SNCF Cécile Guilhaumaud is telling me passenger satisfaction is of central importance.
Through tickets are an advantage for passengers she says. Is she serious? SNCF is *terrible* at this.
To explain: I can buy a through ticket from Berlin to any rail station in NL, BE, CH, AT, CZ, DK. Some even in PL, HU, SI, HR. And *pretty much none in France*. Because SNCF makes it next to impossible. #ConnectingEuropeDays
Ha. Now someone from the bus industry saying there are few complaints about their industry. It could perhaps be that your hope is so low if you take a bus? Sorry! #ConnectingEuropeDays
I also think the premise completing TEN-T will improve passenger *rights* is incorrect. It might improve the passenger experience (speed, reliability). But things will still go wrong and operators will still be malevolent. #ConnectingEuropeDays
WHAT? SNCF now saying high speed rail is more unreliable in Spain since new operators entered the market. 1) Isn’t it SNCF operated OUIGO that’s worst? And 2) isn’t it because there are now more trains running? #ConnectingEuropeDays
Now SNCF - whose network is only about 4% ERTMS equipped - is defending ERTMS as a passenger benefit. Ok. #ConnectingEuropeDays
This presentation from Cécile Guilhaumaud from SNCF is amazing. She has no self awareness - anyone with any knowledge of this sector knows SNCF is in some of this *doing precisely the opposite* of what she is saying. #ConnectingEuropeDays
€6m cost for better info from SNCF Voyageurs as a result of 2023 Passenger Rights Regulation says Cécile Guilhaumaud. But can we know if SNCF is even fully compliant? #ConnectingEuropeDays
Might be the last time I ever hear a speech by Adina Vălean 😭 😭 😭 #ConnectingEuropeDays
Damn I’m so stuck. I’m lost in this transport policy business.
I can’t stand the flowery rhetoric of politicians not backed up by action. I can’t bear officials hiding behind jargon. I can’t tolerate industry people saying the indefensible because they have to. #ConnectingEuropeDays
Martin Gleadow@jon in my experience there are two types of rail conferences;
* Those attended by people who have the drive, authority and perseverance to make a difference
* Those attended by people who want to be seen and heard at a rail conference
I have very little time for talking shops and hot air.
Will Deakin