Paris, France – The direct night train service between Paris and Berlin, which was jointly operated by SNCF, Austrian railway operator ÖBB, and Germany’s Deutsche Bahn, concluded its operations on Friday, December 12, at 7:12 PM. The last train departed from Gare de l’Est, marking the end of a service that was relaunched just two years ago.
European Sleeper Takes Over, Strasbourg Left Behind
The route will be revived by the cooperative European Sleeper. However, in a significant change, the new itinerary will bypass Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace. This decision has sparked considerable debate and disappointment among residents and officials in Strasbourg, who had benefited from the direct connection to the German capital.
The End of an Era for SNCF
The previous Paris-Berlin night train was a collaborative effort, aiming to boost cross-border rail travel. Its discontinuation under the previous operators and the subsequent takeover by European Sleeper signals a shift in strategy for night train services in Europe. The exact reasons for SNCF’s withdrawal from this particular route have not been fully disclosed, but industry analysts suggest a combination of economic factors and operational challenges.
Strasbourg’s Disappointment
The exclusion of Strasbourg from the new route is a major blow to the city’s connectivity and its role as a European hub. Local authorities and public transport advocates have expressed their dismay, calling the decision an “aberration.” They highlight the importance of direct rail links for both business and tourism, especially given Strasbourg’s strategic location and its status as the seat of several European institutions.
Impact on Passengers and Regional Economy
Passengers from Strasbourg wishing to travel to Berlin by night train will now face the inconvenience of additional transfers, likely increasing travel time and potentially costs. This could deter travelers who previously relied on the direct service, impacting tourism and business exchanges between Alsace and Germany. The regional economy, which benefits from improved accessibility, may also feel the effects of this reduced connectivity.
Future of Night Trains in Europe
The transition of the Paris-Berlin night train service to European Sleeper reflects a broader trend in Europe, where private cooperatives and smaller operators are increasingly stepping in to fill gaps left by national railway companies. While this can lead to innovative services, it also raises questions about network coverage and regional equity, as demonstrated by Strasbourg’s exclusion.
The cooperative European Sleeper aims to provide a sustainable and comfortable alternative for long-distance travel. Details about the new service, including exact schedules and pricing, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. However, the absence of Strasbourg from its route remains a contentious point for many.
The decision to exclude Strasbourg has ignited discussions about the future of night train services and the balance between commercial viability and public service. As European countries strive to promote more environmentally friendly modes of transport, ensuring comprehensive and accessible rail networks will be crucial.
Source: https://www.ouest-france.fr/economie/transports/train/nouvelle-ligne-paris-berlin-de-nuit-strasbourg-reste-a-quai-43f23b9a-bfb5-11f0-a7a6-0300a242c945
