Navigating the Future of Long-Distance Rail Travel
Elias Bohun, an ardent aficionado of European and Asian train journeys, revolutionizes the rail travel experience with his ingenious online platform, Traivelling. The platform is set to simplify international train bookings, integrating buses, ferries, and even handpicked discounts.
Bohun's vision was born on a memorable train ride through Vietnam, sparked by the intricate planning process involved in booking these journeys. With his father, the duo founded Traivelling in 2020, only to face challenges arising from this labor-intensive process, especially when it came to booking within Europe.
Traivelling: Removing Barriers, Enhancing Comfort
To democratize this delightful and sustainable mode of transport, the platform is gearing up to be the first digital resource for international train journeys across multiple borders. Diverse travel options, unparalleled route recommendations, and even e-tickets (where available) are part of this global rail transformation.
However, the path to success can be as intricate as the tracks themselves:
- The data challenge: An international rail database, akin to the aviation industry's data system, is necessary. The growing complexity of timetables and bookings calls for innovative solutions, such as data standardization (using GTFS) and integration with third-party providers (like UIC MERITS).
- Catering to Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with EU regulations is crucial. Integrating technologies like ERTMS supports this while offering improved safety features for passengers, ensuring seamless and efficient train operations.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform's design should offer an intuitive navigation experience, with AR features and tools that visualize train routes, ensuring a worry-free journey planning for travelers.
No journey is without its twists and turns. For Traivelling, creating a unified experience amidst varied rail systems positively impacts both ramblers and rail operators alike. Citing historical examples, the Caledonian Sleeper (Scotland's five-star sleeper bus) and Vietnam's relaxing rail traverses continue to rank among the most memorable trips for veterans of this travel genre.
Sources:
- "GTFS Data":
- "UIC MERITS Data":
- "ERTMS":
