Webinar: Unleashing Rail Distribution to Make Rail Travel More Attractive – 25 June 2021, 10:00 CEST

Rail travel has never been more important. Although consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, their appetite for travelling has not decreased. And yet, integrating train travel into your journey is still more complex than booking a flight. Why is that?

As outlined in the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the European Commission is clearly determined to make rail transport the cornerstone of a more multimodal transport network in Europe. Improving and enhancing rail distribution will be central to achieving this, to help ensure that train tickets are not only easier to buy but also to use. Industry has already shared its collective views in a joint industry statement, and Member States recently presented their reflections as part of the Platform on International Rail Passenger Transport, the impetus is now on the Commission to assess all options and provide concrete solutions.

To discuss the challenges and opportunities of making rail travel more accessible, we would like to invite you to a webinar on:

“Unleashing rail distribution to make rail travel more attractive”, 25 June, 10:00-11.30 CEST

The event is part of the official programme of the European Year of Rail.

This webinar will address questions such as: What are the current obstacles preventing a more traveller-friendly distribution of rail services? Which actions at EU and national level could be considered to address such obstacles? How can third party distributors help make rail more attractive? Is there a need for regulatory intervention? And how can data-sharing in the rail distribution ecosystem can be facilitated be enhanced to give consumers access to the best offers?

Programme

Keynote speech: Hinne Groot, Chair of the International Rail Platform, Dutch Ministry of Transport
Debate moderated by Dave Keating, France 24:

• Kristian Schmidt, Director of the Directorate Land Transport, European Commission (DG MOVE)
• Christopher Irwin, Board Member of the European Passengers Federation
• Jody Ford, Chief Executive Officer, Trainline (tbc)
• Javier Marin, Chief Commercial, Customer and Loyalty Officer, Renfe (tbc)
• Wrap up and conclusions by a Member of the European Parliament

We would be delighted if you would join us for the debate. If you wish to register, please follow this link.