Now there’s a ranking system for Europe’s rail operators, based on a variety of factors—and some operators, especially Eurostar, are probably wishing there weren’t.
The cross-Channel operator with trains connecting England with France, Belgium, the Netherlands and a sliver of Germany ranked dead last in the study by EU think tank Transport & Environment, which used a matrix based on ticket prices, special fares and reductions, reliability, booking experience, compensation policies, traveller experience, night trains and cycling policy.
Heaviest weight went to ticket prices, although the report also offered a price vs reliability chart allowing, where possible, an informed choice.
While Eurostar hit the bottom in part because of its high prices—which the report pointed out are not only on its cross-Channel routes—but also because it has a low reliability score, no night service and no access for bicycles.
Overall winner was Italy’s Trenitalia, followed by Swiss SBB, Czech Regiojet, Austria’s OBB and France’s SNCF. At the other end, just above Eurostar, were Greece’s national rail network, SNCF’s budget brand Ouigo, Sweden’s Snalltaget and the Dutch NS.
Winners in individual categories included SBB as most reliable, SNCF as most comfortable, and German private operator Flixtrain as the least expensive.
Photo: Eurostar at St Pancras, London (Purple/Wikimedia Commons)
