20 September 2023
By Minseo Kim
France has decided to introduce unlimited railroad passes from next summer. For 49 euros (about 70,000 South Korean won) per month, you can take unlimited trains except for the high-speed railway (TGV).
According to AFP, Transport Minister Clement Vaughan announced the plan in an interview with France 2 on the 7th (local time), saying, "Railway passes will be available to all travelers regardless of age." France's decision to introduce a railway pass was influenced by neighboring Germany. In May 2023, Germany introduced a transportation pass that allows unlimited access to short-distance public transportation across the country for only 49 euros (about 70,000 won).
The French government's ban on air operations in sections that can be traveled by train within two and a half hours earlier this year, saying it would reduce carbon emissions, is also related to the introduction of "unlimited passes." This move aims at encouraging the use of trains that emit less carbon than airplanes. With the introduction of the railway pass, holders can use the Antersite and TERs that connect major cities unlimitedly. However, like Germany, high-speed trains, or TGV, are not included. Instead, the minister said he would push for a plan to include subways, buses, and trams in the use of railroad passes.
The only question is how to compensate for the decline in profits for railway operators. Right now, some are concerned about "how to raise funds even though the idea is good." In Germany, the federal and local governments pay equally. Clement Vaughan plans to discuss the issue with local government heads soon.
Meanwhile, there is also another move to encourage eco-friendly travel. The Austrian Railways Authority (OeBB) announced the previous day that it would resume operating night trains linking Paris and Berlin in December. It has been nine years since the night train between the two cities disappeared. The Austrian Railway Administration aims to operate a night train three times a week and then take action every day from October next year.
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