The European Commission is inviting proposals for cross-border pilot rail services, as pre-announced in its Action Plan to boost long-distance and cross-border passenger rail of December 2021. The invitation was opened yesterday, during the Connection Europe Days in Lyon. European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean said: "If more people are to choose sustainable modes of transport such as rail, it must become an attractive option for long and cross-border journeys. We need more cross-border rail connections, they must be faster and more affordable. Today, cross-border rail still faces obstacles to the operation and introduction of new services. These pilot projects are part of our strategy to break down these remaining barriers, and I hope that the industry will get on board without delay!” (....)