Happy New Year! what will 2012 bring?
As we all settle down to start another year after the end of year celebrations, we reflect on what was a year that saw many changes in the rail industry. 2011 really saw the start of deregulation and competition take its first bold steps forward.
We saw the amazing sight of an ICE arrive at waterloo station, Obama pledge more money towards a high speed infrastructure in the US and the European Railway Agency get the sign off for the TAPTSI initiative to bring passenger information standards across the whole journey.
So whats next? Well if the Maya have got it right, then we have until 21st December this year to get as much new high speed track built, and as many new high speed railways up an running across the globe. However, if not the case, then we will see some newcomers openining services in competition with incumbent railway companies, we will probably see more interlining between railways and airlines and we will see further cross border alliances forming to help travellers go further on one ticket. We will also see more people taking the train for longer distances, as better information is at hand to make rail journey planning easier.
What do you think?
