oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | europe, railroads, railway systems, trains, transportation
Many railway lines introduced in recent years are simplifying travel between different European countries.
However, a recently unveiled proposition from a Copenhagen-based think tank proposes an even more extensive scheme for enhancing railway links across the continent.
The 21st-century vision for Europe includes a continent-wide high-speed railway network designed to operate similar to a subway or underground transit system.
Called Starline, it aims to transform the continent’s “disjointed, inconsistent, frequently sluggish” railway network and bring about improvements.
ultra-fast connections
to rival air travel.
“A truly integrated rail system is no longer just a matter of convenience; it’s a strategic necessity for Europe’s resilience in the 21st century,” the think tank states.
Modeled after a subway system, Starline alters how Europeans view their continent—not as separate far-off capital cities, but as one interconnected rapid transit network where all connections, be they for individuals or merchandise, are readily accessible.
The target for 21st Europe is to have the network operational by 2040 — however, just how feasible is this ambition?
Creating a continent-wide subway network across Europe
It cannot be disputed that a pan-European railway network would be highly appealing to travelers.
From the golden era of
night trains
According to the think tank, “For today’s more than 400,000 annual Interrail users, the preference for unrestricted, readily available travel is evident. However, even with this public interest, international journeys continue to be disjointed, sluggish, and costly.”
Currently underway is the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), an initiative of the European Union designed to integrate infrastructure throughout Europe.
However, 21st Europe states that it lacks “ambition and design” not only in the passenger experience but also where complexity is concerned.
ticketing
Inconsistent service and outdated stations contribute to a fragmented railway experience; however, there was also a missed opportunity to establish rail as a hallmark of Europe itself.
The team views unity
design
as crucial for a cross-border network.
“The present system lacks cohesion between stations, train designs differ significantly, and the trip is seldom viewed as an integral part of the overall experience,” the report states.
Various modes of transportation, such as Japan’s high-speed rail systems and Nordic airports, have demonstrated that movement can be practical as well as emblematic.
Starliner trains might connect Helsinki with Berlin in just 5 hours.
The 21st iteration of Europe’s extensive Starline network aims to link 39 destinations across various European nations, extending as far as the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Ukraine.
The updated system is expected to be approximately 30 percent quicker compared to the present road conditions.
rail travel
With trains running at speeds of 300-400 kilometers per hour.
This indicates that travelers would be able to journey from Helsinki to Berlin in approximately five hours, rather than an entire day.
journey
It necessitates at present.
From Kyiv to Berlin, which was traditionally an overnight journey, now turns into a reliable and smooth connection,” the think tank states. “Meanwhile, Milan to Munich, currently a sluggish and convoluted path, evolves into a frequent linkage between key economic hubs.
The Starline trains will feature distinctly recognizable dark blue coloring. The carriages will not be segmented into class distinctions but rather organized according to various requirements like quiet areas for work and family-oriented compartments.
The trains will arrive at new
stations
constructed near major cities with links to their existing public transportation networks.
The 21st European vision sees these stations as cultural centers that will function as
restaurants
, shopping, along with thoughtfully designed waiting areas and amenities such as concert halls, museums, sports venues, and event spaces.
‘Europe’s greatest opportunity to achieve net-zero targets by 2050’
In the 21st century, Europe also views Starline as an environmental initiative.
Transportation stands as one of Europe’s most significant environmental hurdles. The sector accounted for roughly 29 percent of the EU’s overall greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, as reported by the European Environmental Agency.
Short-haul flights continue to be the primary means of transportation for countless people, even though
high-speed rail
releasing up to 90 percent less CO2 per trip.
Think tanks argue that countries such as France and Austria, which have started limiting short-haul flights when railway options are available, will not see significant effects unless they adopt a broader continental strategy.
Transitioning boldly towards high-speed rail could be Europe’s greatest opportunity to achieve its 2050 net-zero targets while maintaining swift and eco-friendly transportation.
A publicly-funded franchise model
How then can Starline be realized? The 21st European initiative suggests “centralized coordination of trains, enhancing passenger experience, and adopting advanced technologies, all while permitting national autonomy.”
rail operators
To operate routes using a franchise model.”
According to the think tank, this initiative will receive public funding and be managed by designated national railway operators. It would also come under the purview of a newly established European Rail Authority (ERA), which operates as an entity within the EU structure tasked with guaranteeing the system’s harmonization, compatibility, and future growth.
To function as a
European system
In the 21st European discussion, it was stated that Starline would necessitate standardized labor contracts, technical specifications, and safety rules.
This implies that train drivers, maintenance teams, and station personnel would receive training based on a unified European framework, guaranteeing consistent operations irrespective of their workplace.
This is an extremely ambitious plan; however, the think tank feels confident that it could turn into reality by the year 2040.
“Now, we begin building the network to push for real change, bringing together policymakers, designers, and industry leaders to turn vision into action,” it says.
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, commerce, government, roads, transportation
By Michael Foli Jackidy
Dzodze (V/R), March 23, GNA – In an effort to reduce congestion, the Ketu North Municipal Assembly, working alongside the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and local transport unions, has initiated a significant clearance operation aimed at removing vendors from principal roadways in Dzodze during market days.
The program, launched on March 21st, Friday, seeks to establish Dzodze as one of the ten municipalities selected for the Smart SDG Cities project.
This aligns with the government’s Resetting Ghana Agenda, aiming to enhance urban management and infrastructure.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Jasper Adenyo, the Coordinating Director of the Assembly, stated that this step was crucial for updating Dzodze and organizing the town’s structure more effectively.
Despite being constructed for many years, our town can still be updated. In a smart city, it’s not acceptable for streets designed for both vehicles and pedestrians to become occupied by marketplace vendors on busy trading days. This practice of setting up merchandise along the primary routes makes effective traffic control extremely challenging.
He emphasized that Dzodze marks the beginning of the Trans-ECOWAS Highway, which is essential for large lorries coming from Niger, Mali, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.
The existence of merchants on the routes presents a significant danger, since a braking system malfunction in one of these lorries might result in catastrophe.
We can’t just let this hazardous circumstance continue unchecked. It’s our duty to take action immediately, lest we risk losing lives.
Mr. Adenyo stated that the decongestion initiative is in line with the government’s plan for transforming cities.
Even without the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), the Assembly remains committed to moving forward with the plan.
We don’t need to wait for our MMDCE appointments to start making essential improvements. People would be impressed today to witness how the principal road in Dzodze on market days is now so clean that vehicles can easily pass through. Earlier, because of traffic jams, motorists struggled to travel at speeds over 20 km/h.
He mentioned that vacant spots are readily available in the marketplace, and thus, vendors have no justification for using the streets as their trading grounds.
We have requested all vendors to move their operations within the market premises. While some are cooperating, others are being unyielding. In response, we’ve utilized our DRIP units to dismantle their stands. Additionally, these devices deter unauthorized vehicle parking.
He stated that this initiative won’t just be a short-term activity; rather, it will require an ongoing commitment until the dream of transforming into a meticulously planned, modern metropolis becomes reality.
Mr. Adenyo mentioned that meetings have been arranged with motorcycle drivers to guarantee complete adherence to the updated traffic regulations.
motorcyclists must likewise follow these new regulations. we will reach out to them to make sure everybody contributes towards making dzoze a safer place.
Mr. Edward Seke, who leads the Assembly, supported the proposal as well, highlighting that street vendors endanger themselves by operating on roadsides.
We do not hope for calamity, yet consider what might occur if a moving vehicle’s brakes were to fail. Numerous individuals could perish as a result.
He pointed out an additional hurdle: some local merchants hold onto market spots that they no longer utilize, thereby blocking new entrepreneurs from establishing their ventures.
Some traders have inherited their marketplace spots from their great-grandmothers, but they no longer conduct business. In contrast, vendors from Denu, Sogakope, and Aflao visit these markets solely on market days and often find themselves competing for space. This change will provide much-needed respite for all.
Mr. Seke similarly urged the local market vendors to permit visiting sellers to operate, since various enterprises help boost economic development.
Each community that progresses does so with the support of outsiders. By limiting commercial activities to just local residents, our town won’t expand. I urge our ladies to permit other merchants to vend.
He recognized that change can initially be challenging, but encouraged the traders to conform, promising them that the result would be advantageous for everyone.
The start of any change can be challenging, yet ultimately, we will all have reason to rejoice. Let’s join hands and ensure this endeavor thrives.
Several traders voiced their approval of the program, stating that it has enhanced both security and vehicular movement.
“The roads were extremely crowded, making it risky to traverse them. Occasionally, we would have to wait up to 10 minutes merely to locate a secure place to cross or face the danger of colliding with a motorcycle,” stated a merchant to GNA.
A fellow trader commented, “I genuinely appreciate this initiative. It would be ideal if it could remain unchanged indefinitely.”
This activity is anticipated to carry on over the next few weeks, with rigorous monitoring to guarantee that traders and transportation providers adhere to the newly implemented rules.
GNA
MA/AD
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | buses, business, infrastructure, public transportation, transportation
The Transportation Department of Ho Chi Minh City has suggested setting up bus stops within the new domestic terminal T3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and plans to create 20 bus routes for passenger convenience.
In a recent submission to the Ministry of Construction, ACV, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the department stated that with the introduction of Terminal T3 in May, which will become functional then, the overall passenger capacity at the airport is set to increase to 50 million annually.
The department has suggested that the airport allocate particular areas in front of the new terminal for buses picking up and dropping off passengers. Additionally, they have sought authorization from the Ministry of Construction to run approximately 20 bus routes that will transport passengers directly to Terminal T3.
Based on the present timetable, Terminal T3 will handle domestic flights for Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. Meanwhile, other domestic airlines such as Vasco, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, and Pacific Airlines will keep using Terminal T1.
In conjunction with the urban bus network expansion, Tan Son Nhat Airport is introducing a shuttle service designed to move travelers between the current terminals and the recently finished T3 facility.
Terminal T3 will be capable of handling up to 20 million passengers each year, which would make it the biggest domestic terminal in Vietnam. Financed by ACV, this approximately VND11 trillion (USD$445 million) initiative commenced construction towards the end of 2022, with significant work on the main passenger area beginning in August 2023.
The terminal will be opened two months earlier than originally planned.
To enhance accessibility to Terminal T3, a 4-kilometer-long Tran Quoc Hoan–Cong Hoa link road will be opened as well. The purpose of this new route is to strengthen connections among vital urban infrastructures and alleviate traffic jams in the densely populated Tan Son Nhat region—one of HCMC’s most intricate traffic bottlenecks.
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | railway systems, train travel, trains, transportation, vietnam
In May, a train equipped with 20 recently designed luxurious carriages will commence operations, offering passengers a trip from Hanoi to Hai Phong.
The head of Hai Phong’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Tran Thi Hoang Mai, stated that the high-end train is slated to start operations before May 13 in honor of the city’s 70th anniversary since being liberated from French rule.
The train consists of twoVIP carriages, with each carriage containing 16 individual reclining seats along with five sections of twenty-seater couches spread across three separate areas.
The premium compartments feature natural wood flooring, sophisticated interiors, complimentary Wi-Fi access, along with a bar area hosting live music shows.
The leftover 18 carriages provide 56 rotating seats, plastic flooring with carpets, stone-textured plastic walls, along with ornamental LED ceilings.
Authorities in Hai Phong anticipated that the new train would boost railway tourism and offer a distinctive experience for visitors.
The cost of tickets for the train has not been revealed yet.
In the last half-decade, the Hanoi – Hai Phong railway, covering a distance of 102 kilometers, has gained popularity as a destination for culinary excursions. Official figures show that in 2024, over 1.5 million travelers opted for rail travel between these two cities, marking an increase from approximately 1.4 million passengers recorded in 2023.
Lately, numerous high-end trains have been launched on routes to Vietnam’s top tourist spots, elevating the traveling experience for visitors.
oleh admin | Mar 23, 2025 | news, public transportation, railway systems, trains, transportation
JAKARTA, Lifehack My ID
Sembilan belas keterlambatan besar tercatat selama periode Lebaran dari tahun 2024 sampai ke tanggal 22 Maret 2025 menurut laporan PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), atau singkatnya KAI. Di antara sembilan belas insiden tersebut, total penjualan tiket kereta api mencapai angka 2.517.296 lembar seperti dicatat oleh perusahaan.
Vice President Public Relations
KAI Anne Purba mengatakan bahwa 10 rute dengan trafik paling padat menurut data penjualan tiket, yang pertama adalah Jalur Gambir – Yogyakarta dengan jumlah 28.825 penumpang, yang kedua adalah Jalur Gambir – Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng sebanyak 24.948 penumpang, dan yang ketiga merupakan jalur Yogyakarta – Gambir dengan total 24.708 penumpang.
Kemudian keempat, Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng – Gambir memiliki 21.236 penumpang, dan Surabaya Pasar Turi – Pasarsenen mengalami 20.047 penumpang.
Enam, rute Pasarsenen – Surabaya Pasar Turi memiliki 19.471 penumpang, dan tujuh, rute Gambir – Cirebon mencatatkan angka 19.407 penumpang. Selanjutnya urutan delapan adalah rute Pasarsenen – Kutoarjo yang diisi oleh 18.415 orang, sementara sembilan terdapat pada jalur Pasarsenen – Lempuyangan dengan jumlah penumpang sebanyak 17.857 jiwa. Di posisi sepuluh ada lintasan Gambir – Purwokerto dengan total pengguna jasa transportasi tersebut berjumlah 17.398 orang.
“Hingga 22 Maret 2025 total 2.517.296 tiket telah terjual,” kata dia, dikutip dari
Antara
, Minggu (23/3).
Dari jumlah tersebut, 2.388.488 tiket merupakan KA jarak jauh atau setara dengan 69,36 persen dari total kapasitas yang tersedia. Sementara itu, tiket KA lokal yang telah terjual 128.808 tiket atau sekitar 11,22 persen dari kapasitas yang disediakan.
Dia mengatakan bahwa KAI menawarkan total kapasitas mencapai 4.591.510 seat sepanjang masa transisi Lebaran tahun 2025 yang terjadi dari tanggal 21 Maret sampai dengan 11 April 2025. Di antaranya, ada 3.443.832 tiket khusus untuk kereta api jarak jauh dan sisanya yaitu 1.147.678 tiket untuk layanan kereta api dalam kota atau lokal.
Anne menyebutkan bahwa jumlah penjualan tiket kereta api lokal biasanya naik saat mendekati tanggal keberangkatan, karena perilaku konsumen yang cenderung membeli secara impulsif untuk perjalanan singkat. Berdasarkan trend tersebut, dia merasa yakin bahwa angka penjualan kereta api lokal bakal semakin meningkat sejalan dengan pendeknya waktu hingga mencapai masa puncak arus mudik dan pulang.
KAI menyarankan agar publik secepatnya menyusun rencana perjalanan Idulfitri mereka dengan menggunakan aplikasi tersebut.
Access by KAI
atau melalui laman
booking.kai.id
Dengan adanya banyak jenis kereta api yang ditawarkan, kami harap para pelanggan bisa mengonfirmasi kenyamanan perjalanannya sejak awal.
“Dengan layanan terkini, sarana istimewa, serta proses reservasi yang mudah, KAI bertekad untuk memberikan pengalaman perjalanannya yang tak terlupakan. Kami bersumpah akan membuat moment Idulfitri dipenuhi kegembiraan melalui perjalanan yang lancar dan selamat,” ungkap Anne.
Seiring dengan musim angkutan, PT Kereta Api Indonesia menyediakan sebanyak 9.656 perjalanan kereta api guna menjamin bahwa keperluan publik atas sarana transportasi yang selamat dan nyaman bisa dipenuhi.
“Angka tersebut mencakup 8.624 perjalanan kereta api reguler dan 1.032 perjalanan kereta api ekstra yang beroperasi di beberapa rute populer di Pulau Jawa dan Sumatera,” jelas Anne.
oleh admin | Mar 23, 2025 | business, commerce, government, indonesia, transportation
Lifehack My ID
, JAKARTA – Para pengemudi layanan transportasi daring yang menjadi bagian dari Serikat Pekerja Angkutan Indonesia (SPAI) berencana mengunjungi kantor Kementerian Tenaga Kerja (Kemnaker), di Jakarta Selatan, pada hari Selasa, 25 Maret 2025. Demonstrasi tersebut bertujuan untuk menyuarakan penolakan mereka terhadap jumlah upah dan aturan baru.
bonus hari raya
(BHR) yang dianggap tidak sesuai dengan standar kemanusiaan.
Lily Pujiati, ketua SPAI, mengatakan bahwa mereka akan berkumpul dan menjenguk kantor Kemenaker pada hari Selasa (25/3/2025) jam 10:00 WIB guna melaporkan keluhan secara masif di Posko THR 2025.
” Kami mengajak semua driver ojol, taksi online, serta kurir untuk berunjuk rasa ke Kemenaker secara bersamaan sebab kami menentang bonus lebaran bagi ojel yang tidak wajar,” ujar Lily seperti dikutip pernyataannya pada hari Minggu (23/3/2025).
Kepada
Bisnis
Lily mengatakan bahwa para pengemudi transportasi online yang akan bergabung dengan aksi itu datang dari seluruh tempat. Ia menambahkan bahwa jumlah pengemudi ojek online yang terlibat dalam protes ini cukup besar.
“Agak banyak dikarenakan laporan,” katanya kepada
Bisnis
, Minggu (23/3/2025).
Untuk para sopir transportasi di luar Jabodetabek, Lily menyarankan agar mereka datang ke kantor wilayah terkait tenaga kerja untuk melaporkan keluhan.
Sebagai respons atas laporan yang diterima oleh SPAI, tindakan tersebut kemudian dijalankan.
driver
Ojol yang mendapat BHR senilai Rp50.000. Jumlah itu dianggap kurang wajar karena penghasilan dari ojek online tersebut.
driver
Ojol dalam setahun berhasil mengumpulkanRp33 juta.
Di samping itu, jumlah BHR yang disediakan oleh perusahaan transportasi online ternyata tak sejalan dengan data yang diumumkan Presiden Prabowo Subianto. Beberapa hari yang lalu, beliau menyebutkan bahwa para sopir akan mendapatkan bantuan senilai Rp1 juta untuk setiap individunya.
“Nilai ini jelas jauh dari informasi yang diterima Presiden bahwa platform akan memberikan THR ojol sebesar Rp1 juta bagi setiap pekerjanya,” ujarnya.
Satu perusahaan yang telah mengeluarkan BHR adalah Gojek Indonesia. Proses pencairan ini dijalankan dari tanggal 22 hingga 24 Maret 2025 dan jumlah BHR yang didapatkan akan bervariasi tergantung pada kelompoknya, meliputi tingkat produktivitas, sumbangan mereka, sementara itu juga masih mempertimbangkan kemampuan keuangan perusahaannya.
Kepala Kebijakan Publik dan Hubungan Pemerintah GoTo Ade Mulya mengatakan bahwa penyerahan Bantuan Hidup Rumah (BHR) disesuaikan dengan kemampuan keuangan perusahaan untuk memastikannya tetap berkesinambungan.
“Dengan janji untuk selalu menyediakan solusi yang adil dan jujur, pemberian BHR ini diatur sesuai dengan kemampuan keuangan perusahaan sehingga dapat dipertahankan,” ujar Ade dalam pernyataannya, seperti dilaporkan pada hari Minggu (23/3/2025).
Ade menjelaskan bahwa dengan menggunakan pendekatan yang adil, Gojek telah menempatkan penerima Bantuan Hari Raya (BHR) ke dalam beberapa kelompok yaitu Mitra Juara Utama, Mitra Juara, Mitra Unggulan, Mitra Andalan, serta Mitra Harapan.
Jumlah nominal BHR dalam tiap kategori ditentukan oleh derajat produktivitas dan sumbangan, sambil tetap mempertimbangkan kemampuan keuangan perusahaan.
Kategori tertinggi disebut sebagai Mitra Juara Utama. Di sini, penerimaannya berupa BHR yang diukur sebesar kurang lebih 20% dari rata-rata pendapatan bersih pada kategori tersebut. Jumlah BHR yang didapat oleh para mitra dalam tingkatan teratas ini mencakup angka Rp900.000 bagi mitra dengan kendaraan roda dua serta Rp1,6 juta untuk mitra menggunakan kendaraan roda empat.
Berikut adalah rincian penuh dari jumlah BHR yang didapat oleh mitra pengemudi Gojek Indonesia berdasarkan jenisnya:
Mitra Juara Utama
Roda dua: Rp900.000
Roda empat: Rp1,6 juta
Mitra Juara
Roda dua: Rp450.000
Roda empat: Rp800.000
Mitra Unggulan
Roda dua: Rp250.000
Roda empat: Rp500.000
Mitra Andalan
Roda dua: Rp100.000
Roda empat: Rp100.000
Mitra Harapan
Roda dua: Rp50.000
Roda empat: Rp50.000
