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SCMP Reporter

The railway system in Europe used to be a running joke; when it was not broken down that is.

  If you wanted to arrive at your destination late and did not mind travelling in old, dirty carriages, you took the train. Trains were slow, unreliable and uncomfortable.

  Touring Europe by rail was a nightmare. There were rarely convenient connections from one train to the next, and crossing borders was more complicated than a military operation.

  But that has changed. In the past 15 years, Europe has built an efficient and sleek rail network which is the envy of other continents.

  Today you might be in Paris, down to Nice tomorrow and the day after across the border in Italy. Then back into France and up to Strasbourg before a few days visiting Germany.

  The network is improving and expanding all the time.

  Over the next five years, the high-speed track carrying Europe's supertrains will be doubled. Individual countries are investing heavily in rail modernisation. With the opening of the Channel Tunnel connecting Great Britain to the rest of Europe, another key link in the system slotted into place.

  At the leading edge of Europe's impressive supertrain system is the French TGV Train a Grande Vitesse or high-speed train; the pride and joy of France's transport network.

  The TGV was introduced 15 years ago, and European travellers loved it right from the day it went into service.

  Today, the TGV network covers all France's key regions and carries more than half the railway's long-distance passengers.

 Germany's Intercity Express zooms between the country's main cities at 280 kilometres per hour. The trains are designed to tilt as they approach bends in the track, allowing them to travel along existing rails at high speed.

  Italy also has tilting trains, the Pendalions. They work the Rome-Milan route, but services to Geneva in Switzerland and Lyon in eastern France are planned.

  In Spain, manana (tomorrow) is supposed to be the national catchcry and people habitually arrive late for dates and meetings.

  But it is a different story with the AVE, which travels from Madrid in the centre of the country to Seville in the south. It is so reliable passengers receive a full refund on their fare if the train is more than five minutes late.

  For young people wanting to see Europe by train, the good news is the variety of rail passes which can be bought for use on Europe's high-speed trains.

 Most student tickets give unlimited travel within a set period.

  The Freedom Pass can be used for three, five or 10 days over one month.

  But an independent tour of Europe needs careful planning and expert advice.

  Many discounts and special deals are available for young people under 26.

  A student planning a trip to Europe should first decide on the country or countries to be visited and inquire about passes or discounts on offer.

  European Rail, telephone (44) 171 387 044, or the Inter Rail Web site, http://www.britrail.com, always have the latest advice for young travellers.

  Student travel companies like Compus Travel in London, (44) 171 730 3402, or Council Travel, (44) 171 287 3337, have helpful representatives with a wealth of information at their fingertips.

  Planning a trip to Europe and letting the train take the strain does take time and effort.

  But there are people to help once the idea is there.

  Good luck and bon voyage.

Mr Millen is an English department head at a secondary school in Britain 



Making tracks in Europe