The world over, policy-makers and society demand efficient transport systems. Particular pressure is put on the railways, given their green credentials and high safety records, to yield high efficiency and flexibility and provide an attractive alternative to road transport. Railway systems are being upgraded and/or extended throughout the world both for freight and passenger traffic. When it comes to passenger transport a distinction is'Still drawn between local transport, above all in large conurbations, and long-distance transport; Long-distance train services have to compete both with cars and aeroplanes. Thus to be attractive rail services have to offer both high speeds and connect the centres of conurbations.
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