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Damian James' Blog: 8 February 2008
Date: 08 February 2008
Now I know I should be getting excited about new car models like the A4 or XF but seeing as I write a blog on technology in transport I want to talk trains this week.
Usually I'm not known for my trainspotter habits but I couldn't resist referring you to the launch of the Alstom AGV, which stands for Automotrice Grande Vitesse.
This train will replace the well-known TGVs in France and is capable of speeds of 224mph. Let's just put that into perspective for you. A commute from London to Edinburgh is 411 miles so this would take under two hours if top speed could be achieved. A daily jaunt from Penzance to Aberdeen (697 miles) would take just over three hours. Of course, this is just pie in the sky stuff over this side of the channel because in reality our infrastructure isn't quite up to the job of 200 mph+ trains, but it shows you what's possible though, and Italy has seen the light by purchasing 25.
It does make you think that certainly in mainland Europe when these trains actually start passenger journeys in 2010 they are likely to be serious competition to the airline industry. It's not the length of time that air journeys take, it's the hassle of the airport/security/check-in that make you want to give up flying. The AGVs will also be far more environmentally friendly, so perhaps we have seen the future of the fleet industry. Fast, green and carrying lots of people. I'm just a bit nervous about the P11D value of a train!!
