Germany and France launch high-speed train, but will it change travel?

On December 16, 2024, a historic launch took place as Germany and France inaugurated a direct high-speed train service connecting Berlin and Paris. Departing from the Gare de l'Est station in Paris, the first train marked a significant collaboration between France's SNCF national rail service and Germany's Deutsche Bahn, aiming to strengthen transportation links between two of the European Union's most populous and economically powerful nations. The train makes several stops along the route, including Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg, and completes the journey in approximately eight hours. While the time may not substantially shorten travel compared to existing indirect routes, it offers improved convenience to travelers, showcasing a responsive approach to increasing rail demand in Western Europe. The new service operates daily with a total year-round capacity of 300,000 seats. Despite its positive reception as a symbol of Franco-German friendship, experts suggest this launch is not revolutionary as no new high-speed infrastructure was developed and it uses pre-existing tracks. Deutsche Bahn is also striving to improve its punctuality, which has faced challenges in recent years, with only 60% of long-distance trains arriving on time as of last month. The company aims for more than 75% punctuality by 2027 as part of a broader modernization campaign. Furthermore, the service reflects a growing trend within Europe towards greater utilization of rail travel, particularly as travelers become more environmentally conscious, seeking lower carbon footprint options. The launch adds to the existing rail offers within the region, an important aspect in promoting train travel amid ongoing discussions on sustainable transportation solutions.