Press Release , 26 November 2009

Railteam reports on achievements and — Enhanced schedule data through downloadable mobile articulates priorities going forward applications and an enhanced website (railteam.eu) — Multilingual assistance at more than 30 other At a press conference at Brussels Midi International station today, stations on the Railteam network Railteam, the alliance of the main seven high speed rail operators in — Access to all Railteam members’ lounges for frequent travellers Europe, reported on its customer-focused achievements over the last — Through fares offered by a number of pairs of members two and a half years and articulated its priorities going forward. European high speed rail travel in 2020 With the Copenhagen conference on climate change and the opening- up of competition on international rail services coming up, this is Looking ahead, a recent study* commissioned by Railteam the optimal time for Railteam to demonstrate the progress it has forecast that by 2020 the number of international high speed made in shifting travellers from air and road to high-speed rail and rail journeys on the Railteam network will have increased by the contribution it is making to sustainable travel across Europe. at least 50 per cent, with 68 million international trips being made per year compared with 45 million made in 2007. Since its launch in July 2007, Railteam has made significant progress in increasing awareness of the pan-European high-speed rail network, Working on the basis that a series of initiatives spearheaded by Railteam and in enhancing the quality of the travel experience on this network. are implemented over the coming years, this baseline figure could grow During this time it has undertaken extensive customer research by another 10 per cent every year from 2020. Given that by choosing high which has formed the basis of a programme of improvements. speed rail over plane or car, travellers can reduce their carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent, this growth in high speed rail journeys would result The research, which explored the key priorities for customers, showed that in a reduction of more than 170 million tons of carbon emissions per year. travellers’ primary concerns are clear on-board communication and real-time information to make connections smooth and easy, easier access to fare and Richard Brown, President of Railteam, said: schedule information, and a wider choice of destinations and frequencies. “Since launch two years ago, we have made great strides in improving In addition to simplifying connections, Railteam has the rail travel experience for passengers across Europe. At a time when delivered a number of key improvements including: climate changes and concerns about the environment are top of mind, our members are constantly looking for new ways of improving our — A “hop on the next train” facility which greatly improves service environmental efficiency and ensuring that we continue to provide continuity in the case of disrupted transfers in the five main “hub” consumers with a sustainable alternative to other forms of travel.” stations: Brussels-Midi, Lille Europe, , Frankfurt and

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Railteam bv Building “De Oost”, Stationsplein 9, P.O. Box 767, 1000 AT , The Netherlands Press Release Brussels, 26 November 2009

Notes to editors: Press contacts:

Railteam is an alliance between Europe’s leading high-speed rail DB Bahn TGV operators, currently (Germany), SNCF (France), (UK, France and Belgium), NS Hispeed (Netherlands), ÖBB Jürgen Kornmann Agnès Grisoglio (Austria), SBB (Switzerland) and SNCB (Belgium), as well as three of +49 (0) 30 297 60010 +33 (1) 53 25 75 34 their high-speed subsidiaries , TGV Lyria and Alleo. [email protected] [email protected]

For more information, visit www.railteam.eu SNCB Eurostar Philippe Tomberg Press Office +32 (2) 528 84 83 UK: +44 207 843 55 00 [email protected] Continent: +32 (2) 641 58 85 Email: [email protected] Jochem Goovaerts +32 (2) 528 23 14 [email protected] ÖBB Thomas Berger NS Hispeed +43 (1) 93000 44277 [email protected] Ronald Stevens +31 (30) 235 70 70 [email protected] SBB

Rose Teunissen Service de presse +31 (6) 558 46 413 +41 51 220 41 11 [email protected] [email protected] Thalys TGV Lyria

Patricia Baars Monica Hug +32 (2) 504 05 99 +33 (1) 45 67 56 76 [email protected] [email protected]

*The Railteam Network 2020 study was carried out in 2008-09 by Intraplan Consult and SMA Partner AG under the direction of a working group made up of Railteam members. The purpose of the study was twofold: first of all, to determine a 2020 baseline for transport demand and the shift of air and car travel to high speed rail (based on 2007 figures compiled from the members’ proprietary data and planned changes to infrastructure such as new high-speed lines) and secondly to assess the level of growth that could be achieved through concerted efforts by Railteam. Additional developments could include new direct services, better coordination of schedules, an increased frequency of services, additional infrastructure enhancements, and regulatory changes.

Railteam bv Building “De Oost”, Stationsplein 9, P.O. Box 767, 1000 AT Amsterdam, The Netherlands