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THE rapid growth in the number of people using rail to travel around Britain and Europe is being reflected in bookings being made from Australia through Melbourne-based International Rail, according to visiting executive co-ordinator for the Deutsche Bahn in Australia, Alan Wissenberg.
He said that massive numbers of business and leisure travellers were turning to rail as the most effective means of transport for short and medium haul travel throughout Europe. Wissenberg added, “They are people who are comparing the cost and time involved in getting to airports, passing security desks and frequent delays caused by inclement weather with the time and expense involved in travelling to and from major city railway stations which are generally found in the heart of European cities. “These people are taking advantage of modern, high speed rail services, extremely competitive fares and a range of incentives that encourage people to choose to travel by rail”. Deutsche Bahn has long offered German Rail Passes but has just introduced a new Extension Pass concept which permits travel from Germany to key neighbouring cities such as Prague, Brussels and Innsbruck. They are available only through International Rail, are a great alternative to the traditional Eurail Pass and cheaper than point to point fares. Wissenberg said that International Rail has exclusive access to the Deutsche Bahn reservation system giving Australians access to very cheap advance purchase fares. International Rail managing director Jonathan Hume pointed out that a recent poll of global travellers showing 79 per cent of them would choose train over plane for travel in Europe where high speed rail options existed. He added, “It showed that 61% of respondents chose rail over air if the cost was the same or better and 90% asking for rail options to be displayed alongside air when searching for travel. “The results revealed that travellers are considering total travel time – getting from door to door –and the full travel experience when choosing mode of transport, with 86% of people choosing rail to avoid the process of checking in, security, baggage fees and boarding times. Image L-R: Jonathan Hume, managing director International Rail and and Alan Wissenberg, executive co-ordinator for Deutsche Bahn Australia. |
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