Avoiding a European Model: Preserving National Identity Through Railway
When the first train rumbled down its tracks in the early 1800s, powered by the hissing steam of an industrial revolution in full swing, it carried more than just passengers and cargo—it carried the promise of a new era. Distances that felt like once in a lifetime events, became more common, journeys that seemed daring became possible. This extraordinary development focused around efficiency. If a train could travel Manchester to Liverpool in under 2 hours—instead of 12 hours in a canal—that was big news. If Paris to Bordeaux took 4 days before, now it took 12 hours. The world had shrunk (well, sort of). Train travel became cheaper and faster. In the words of Victor Hugo, “The railway is that great civiliser which destroys the tyranny of distance and makes neighbours of nations.”
Fast forward to now, the honeymoon’s over. Delays are everywhere across British railway lines. Though perhaps we shouldn’t be so quick to criticise. At least our railways eventually show up, at least our railways are safe (mostly), at least our railways employ nearly 200,000. But let’s not mess around: our railways are a mess (to be polite). Addressing these numerous challenges requires a solution rooted in thorough case study analysis. So then, here goes…
Europe Versus Japan: On-Time Versus Late
Shinjuku Station and Gare du Nord: two of the world’s busiest transport hubs, yet as different as Tokyo and Paris themselves. Gare du Nord is a classical masterpiece—grand, slow-building, and steeped in history. Its towering arches and intricate details resonate with the weight of time. Shinjuku—fast-paced, precise, and buzzing with the hum of technology—is a commuter hub designed to handle a staggering volume of passengers—over a million daily. In other words, forget the grandeur, it’s all about getting things done fast and flawlessly. The state of a railway station is often a direct reflection of the quality of the surrounding neighbourhood, with sleek, modern stations typically marking areas of economic growth, urban renewal, and rising living standards. Shinjuku is that. Gare Du Nord, perhaps less so. Trains at Shinjuku Station are rarely delayed by more than a few minutes, reflecting Japan’s commitment to punctuality. In contrast, Gare du Nord in Paris faces more frequent delays, often due to strikes or overcrowding. Such disruptions breed frustration, and over time, this resentment can have economic consequences—undermining productivity and diminishing confidence in a city’s infrastructure.
Old Versus New
Located in the 10th arrondissement, it is a central node in Europe's high-speed rail network, linking Paris with destinations across France, the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, including the Eurostar line to London. The station's architecture is a striking blend of classical and industrial styles. Built in 1864, its grand façade is characterised by a massive iron-and-glass structure, with ornate details and statues representing various French cities and regions. Inside, the station's vast, vaulted hall is lined with large platforms, numerous retail spaces, and bustling concourses, creating a dynamic, often crowded environment.
France’s largest railway station isn't without its revamps. Key upgrades include expanded concourses, upgraded ticketing areas, and improved signage to streamline navigation. The design also incorporates sustainability features, with energy-efficient systems and green spaces (including 300m² of roof for rainwater harvesting), aligning with Paris's environmental goals. While the station’s iconic glass-and-iron façade and neoclassical elements are being preserved, new modern elements such as digital interfaces and contemporary lighting are being introduced.
Shinjuku Station, located in the heart of Tokyo, is city within a city (or rather, a city, within a city, within a city!). The world’s busiest railway station—handling over 3.5 million passengers daily—serves multiple lines, including JR East, Tokyo Metro, and private railways, and acts as a key node in Tokyo's complex transport network. The station is part of a broader urban district, often described as a "city within a city," with interconnected commercial, retail, and entertainment spaces. Its vast, multi-level structure includes shopping arcades, office buildings, and restaurants, while surrounding areas like Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho offer a vibrant nightlife scene. Despite its modern infrastructure, Shinjuku Station is a dynamic reflection of Tokyo’s blend of efficiency, complexity, and urban density, embodying the city’s rapid pace and multifaceted nature.
So What?
The problem with late trains is that they can become ingrained as a defining feature of a wider cultural phenomenon. In Britain, for example, delayed trains have almost become part of the national identity, a quirk people seem to tolerate—or even take pride in. For many, the chronic lateness of British trains has evolved into a symbol of "stiff upper lip" resilience, an oddly charming sign of "Britannia" enduring despite the delays. This cultural acceptance of tardiness reflects deeper attitudes toward inefficiency. Fuck it, we asked for it! What did we expect? This acceptance, while not universal—particularly among those who tirelessly push for more timely rail services—creates a bizarre cultural contradiction. On one hand, we demand more money in our pockets, better services, and improved efficiency; on the other, we tolerate—or even expect—excuses for being late due to train delays. It's a strange paradox: tardiness has, for worse, become a right of passage.
In Paris, The French railway operator, SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français), reports an average punctuality rate of around 90% for its high-speed TGV trains, which service routes through Gare du Nord to destinations like London, Brussels, and other French cities. Yippy! It’s the regional trains that are the problem. SNCF reported that approximately 10-15% of its trains are delayed by more than 5 minutes. With approximately 1,000 trains leaving Gare du Nord each day, that means at least 100 trains are delayed by more than five minutes daily. Wider societal and economic effects also come into play. Frequent delays can reduce overall productivity, as people are often late for work or appointments. For businesses, especially those relying on tight schedules or just-in-time logistics, the ripple effect can be costly. On a larger scale, delays can damage the reputation of a city or country, particularly when international travelers experience disruptions at major hubs like Gare du Nord, which serves as a key gateway to Europe. This can affect tourism, business investments, and even the broader economy, as perceptions of inefficiency may deter visitors or companies from engaging with the city.
Europe’s Worst Trainline
The Eurostar check-in at Gare du Nord reveals significant inefficiencies, with multiple passport inspections and lengthy delays despite a large staff presence. The station’s outdated processes highlight a disconnect between the city’s growing global profile—hosting none other than the 2024 Olympic Games—and its administrative challenges. People are fed up. A recent report by Transport and Environment ranked Eurostar as the worst-performing rail operator among 27 European companies, citing its high prices and poor reliability. Hours after arson attacks on France's high-speed train network caused massive travel disruptions during Olympic festivities, Paris's Gare du Nord was evacuated following a bomb threat. The station handles a number of security concerns daily, highlighting the ongoing vulnerabilities of Gare du Nord. It would be difficult to say with confidence that France's current political system is effectively calming extremism or antisocial behaviour. The rise of Marine Le Pen and the increasing shift to the right in France certainly reflect broader political currents, but they don't fully encompass the complex issues facing the country. Politics aside, Gare du Nord itself mirrors much of France’s societal divisions.
The Eurostar epitomizes the spirit of European unity, providing seamless, high-speed rail connectivity between France, the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This marvel of engineering and diplomacy symbolizes a commitment to cross-border collaboration and global mobility. However, beneath this glossy international image lies a stark contrast: the struggles faced by ordinary French citizens with regional travel. While Eurostar connects nations efficiently, domestic transportation infrastructure often falls short, leaving many French regions with subpar services and logistical frustrations.
One of the most glaring issues is the prevalence of strikes, which routinely disrupt travel plans across the country, including at major hubs like Paris Gare du Nord. These labor disputes, deeply embedded in France’s political culture, exacerbate an already challenging system for regional commuters, with delayed services and overcrowded trains becoming commonplace. As strikes loom for the coming year, the gap between international rail success and domestic inefficiencies grows ever more apparent. With Le Pen preparing for an early election, the chances of calmer times remain distant.
Reliable AF
One of the defining aspects of Shinjuku Station’s reliability is the precision of its train schedules. Japanese railway systems are globally renowned for punctuality, with average delays measured in seconds. Shinjuku Station epitomises this standard, managing high traffic volumes while maintaining adherence to timetables.To manage the large number of passengers efficiently, Shinjuku Station employs advanced crowd flow strategies, including simulations to identify and alleviate bottlenecks. The station utilises an Automatic Train Control (ATC) system to monitor train positions which enforces speed limits based on track conditions, gradients, and the distance to other trains (even overriding manual control in certain scenarios). Handling over 3.5 million passengers daily, the station facilitates seamless regional connectivity, enabling the movement of workers, tourists, and goods. Its role as a commercial hub is equally significant; the surrounding area boasts extensive retail spaces, restaurants, and entertainment venues that drive local commerce and employment. The station has also spurred significant urban development, transforming neighbourhoods such as Kabukicho and Nishi-Shinjuku into vibrant economic zones.
It’s not all plain-travelling. Shinjuku Station is a sizeable place. Overcrowding during peak hours creates logistical and social stress, while the station’s labyrinthine layout can disorient even seasoned commuters. These issues disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, disabled, and non-Japanese speakers, despite ongoing efforts to improve signage, provide multilingual assistance, and enhance barrier-free infrastructure. In other words, a dual challenge has emerged: accommodating growth responsibly while maintaining public trust.
With Japan’s tourism numbers on the rise, the influx of foreign visitors places new pressures on a network traditionally designed to prioritise local needs. This creates a delicate balancing act, as the system must adapt to increased demand without compromising the experience for its core users—Japanese commuters. For a railway system renowned for its speed, efficiency, and reliability—from the iconic Shinkansen (bullet trains) to meticulously punctual commuter lines—a pivotal challenge stands: to avoid adopting a path that leads to delays, delays, delays.
