Quo vadis, international long-distance railway services? Evidence from Central Europe

摘要: Abstract International railway passenger services have seen considerable changes in Europe over the past few decades. Using international connections within and reaching outside V4 countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) 1990–2019 as a sample, our paper explores trends patterns that matter Central Europe. We found characteristic focus on relatively very frequent short or medium-distance using best equipped corridors – paralleled by reduction of remaining has also been clearly evidence this part world. However, are not necessarily mirror image what occurred Western For instance, although shortening travel times indeed observed, it achieved characteristically thanks to improved permeability state borders after enlargement EU 2004, with only moderate improvements infrastructure being made. therefore seems be prime example an area which contextual, political geopolitical factors keys understanding dynamics transport systems. On other hand, from region may give rise some reflections possible roles for European long-distance rail future. To begin with, results show 800 km threshold beyond competitive position becomes significantly lower. Secondly, pressure innovative newcomers (Regiojet, LeoExpress, Arriva) makes national incumbents more flexible pro-active. Thirdly, noticeable spatial re-orientation towards Vienna Munich (at expense Berlin) we observed is partly related appeal these cities multimodal gates excellent locations networks. It would seem railways attempting become integral multi-modal system.