Question for written answer E-002761/2017 to the Commission

Florent Marcellesi (Verts/ALE)

In Spain, and in view of the applicability of EU Regulation No 1315/2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, plans have been made to build several kilometres of high-speed train lines, in many cases, with no alternative means being provided for the conventional transport for passengers and/or goods.

Does the Commission know whether these high-speed train lines, which do not take into account the transport of goods, are in line with the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050?

Answer given by Ms Bulc on behalf of the Commission (27.6.2017)

New high speed railway lines, many of which allow for both passenger transport and transport of goods, reduce the demand for CO2 emitting road transport.

New high speed lines free capacities on the conventional railway lines thus allowing a shift from road transport of goods to transport by rail which leads to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, it is worth noticing that on several connections along the network, the high speed railway services have completely replaced air transport connections.