2021 is the European Year of Rail. Rail travel has a long history in Europe and has numerous benefits in the modern day. Firstly, it is a diverse form of transport serving commuters, holiday travellers and freight transport, with lower costs than other modes of mobility. Secondly, rail travel is associated with an overall lower carbon footprint, accounting for only 0.4% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Lastly, rail travel is a safe form of transport and a comfortable one at that.

A fascinating topic in rail travel this year is the repurposing of old train stations. A common repurposing strategy is to reuse abandoned or obsolete stations and convert them into multipurpose walking trails, which serve to improve well-being of residents. In depth case studies on repurposing obsolete transportation infrastructure will be explored in greater detail at the 9th Informed Cities Forum taking place in hybrid format on 26-28 October, co-organised by the GreenCharge, and OpenHeritage projects, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. 

European Year of Rail: Repurposing obsolete transportation infrastructure: 27 Wednesday October 10:45-12 CEST
On the occasion of the European Year of Rail, this session explores places and cases where cultural heritage meets transportation infrastructure. How have shifting mobility cultures shaped urban heritage? How can bottom up initiatives, private interventions or public investments repurpose obsolete train stations, depots or railways? Participants can board one of the Informed Cities Forum's digital wagons and discover different approaches to work at the intersection of mobility and heritage - including success stories and failures.

Additionally, as a part of the European Year of Rail, a special EU train will criss-cross the continent from 2 September to 7 October 2021, stopping in over 100 cities in 26 countries: The Connecting Europe Express!

Find out all about the Connecting Europe express here.
Learn about cultural heritage and rail travel at the 9th Informed Cities Forum here.