As another step tocut carbon emissions, Frances decided to ban domestic short distance flights if alternatves – especially by trains – exist, when the train journey takes less than two and a half hours. This will rule out air trips between Paris and regional hubs such as Nantes, Lyon and Bordeaux, with connecting flights unaffected. The law specifies that train services on the same route must be frequent, timely, and well-connected. The country is also cracking down on the use of private jets for short journeys.“As we fight relentlessly to decarbonize our lifestyles, how can we justify the use of the plane between the big cities which benefit from regular, fast and efficient connections by train?” Clément Beaune, Minister Delegate for Transport, said in a statement.
The ban was signed into law on Tuesday.”On average, the plane emits 77 times more CO2 per passenger than the train on these routes, even though the train is cheaper and the time lost is limited to 40 minutes,” French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir declared. Calculated to be compared, even carbon emissions by average diesel cars when used bt four persons are less. In three years the country will evaluate the decree’s success. Possibly more restrictions will be added.
