Engineered leather
and reliability is obviously important, but it’s the little unexpected
extras that turn a pleasant journey into a memorable (and
competitive) one,” he says.
By way of example he notes that Eurostar has launched a
‘free champagne’ button on board, to mark its 25th anniversary.
Den Ouden thinks one of the most effective ways to transform
the passenger experience is by focussing on the seats. “Seating
can have a big impact on our comfort, especially on long
Engineered leather
One solution is engineered leather, such as that
clean and maintain, enabling operators to add a dash of practical
luxury for every traveller.”
As the European rail market opens up, Den Ouden believes
it’s vital that rail operators understand the importance of the travel
experience. “The decision for customers to book with a particular
operator will go beyond just reliability,” he says. “The perks will
take centre stage, whether that means better seats, greater
cleanliness, free champagne or less noise and vibration.
Increased competition can be the spur to create fantastic,
luxurious experiences for every traveller in Europe.”
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companies can transform the experience they offer,
and compete with confidence,” says Den Ouden.
When it comes to more fundamental changes
to train design, journey time remains a hot topic.
Reduced travel times are beneficial to operators
and travellers alike. China Railway Rolling Stock
Corporation (CRRC) recently unveiled a new train
that promises speeds of up to 600km/h (370mph).
“While just a prototype at this stage, that’s a big
increase on the current fastest train, which reaches
350km/h (217mph),” says Den Ouden.
However, it wasn’t just its speed that was
highlighted at the launch. Passenger comfort
was noted as an important benefit of the maglev
technology – which effectively means that instead
of running on a track, the train floats above it.
“In addition to the increased speed, the maglev
technology results in less noise and vibration for
passengers to deal with,” says Den Ouden. “Little things, such
as a quieter and more peaceful journey, can have a large impact
on the overall passenger experience.”
Memorable experiences
The journey from London to Istanbul highlights the diversity of
experiences offered across Europe’s railways, and Den Ouden
journeys,” he says. “Unless travelling in first class, most rail
passengers have to sit on seats upholstered in cheap man-made
fabrics – materials that can deteriorate quickly, leading to a
scruffy, down-at-heel look. Something as simple as seating
can have a huge impact on passengers’ perceptions.
Were money no object, operators could fit out all
their carriages in calfskin leather, but that’s hardly
an economical, practical or sustainable solution.”
offered by UK-based company ELeather. “We take
unused leather and turn it into a material that is as
comfortable, yet offers much higher performance and
considerably greater sustainability credentials,” explains
Den Ouden. “It offers a lower lifetime cost of ownership, is
longer-lasting, more versatile, more customisable (in terms of
grains, patterns and colourways), as well as being easier to
believes it also provides some important lessons for
operators. “Focussing on cleanliness, maintenance
ABOVE: Rail
operators can
work with
ELeather to
design seating
to suit the
needs of their
customers and
regulations
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