Whether it’s a sleeper train, a new high-speed network or some extra stops on an existing service, a rail travel renaissance has been underway for quite some time now. And it’s not just about getting places quicker – it’s also about getting places cheaper.
Over the last year, we’ve reported on countries such as Germany, France and Portugal announcing mega-cheap national rail passes to make trains more accessible for travellers, each for just €49. However, the latter is taking this concept a step further.
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro recently announced plans for a new monthly rail pass that will be valid across all ‘urban, regional, inter-regional and inter-city’ trains on all services operated by Portuguese Trains (CP) – the only exception is premium Alfa Pendular services – for just €20.
Yes, you read that right – the Green Rail Pass, as it’s known, will cost passengers less than half of the previous rail pass offering. According to the International Railway Journal, Montenegro said: ‘This is an investment in people, it is an investment in the environment, it is an investment in the future. This is strategically and structurally managing the future of Portugal.’
Not everyone is happy about this proposal, though – there are concerns among people within the rail industry that the scheme would burden taxpayers and jeopardise the future of high-speed services, for example, but we’ll have to wait and see.
A potential launch date and information on who will be eligible for the pass is still up in the air – watch this space for more details.
Did you see that a swish new sleeper train is now running to the Italian capital?
Plus: These are the European capitals with the best metro networks.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.