Europe – European activists are preparing for large-scale protests tomorrow (December 12) at approximately 12 major railway stations. The aim is to demand increased investment in the cross-border rail network, amid a continued decline in the number of available lines and anticipated disruptions.
Euronews reported that three environmental groups – TrackEurope, BackOn, and Staygrounded Network – will launch a continent-wide protest movement. This action comes in response to what they described as a “sharp decline” in night train services, a stark contrast to the 1970s when options were much wider.
Activists argue that canceling long-established routes has led more travelers to rely on air travel. This increases emissions and undermines efforts to achieve climate goals.
This move comes after Austrian Railways (ÖBB) announced that the Paris-Vienna night train, launched in December 2021, will cease service this month. The reason is the cessation of French funding.
Activists also warn that other major lines, such as Lisbon-Madrid, are threatened, further weakening connections between the south and north of the continent.
Pajama parties are taking place inside stations.
Activists have devised an unconventional form of protest: organizing “pajama parties” inside crowded train stations. Participants appear in their pajamas, holding signs and dancing to music selected by DJs for Climate Action in a “silent disco” style. Organizers also encourage participants to talk to passengers about destinations they would prefer to travel to by night train instead of flying.
In an internal document, the event organizers warned of a potential confrontation with security or station police. However, they emphasized that the demonstration was a “short artistic event” not intended to disrupt or damage facilities.
The best alternative for green travel
Activists assert that this move aims to highlight the growing public demand for low-emission transport options, coinciding with the need to reduce reliance on air travel to meet European climate goals. Ines Telles, an activist with the Stay Grounded campaign, says, “Night trains are the best alternative to flying. Aviation needs to shrink rapidly as the climate crisis worsens.”
Telles stressed the need to invest in a genuine, extensive, and affordable night train network. She argued that simply “polishing the image of aviation with superficial solutions” is insufficient, asserting that canceling existing lines would be a step in the wrong direction, especially given the current environmental realities that demand more practical and socially equitable choices.
