Due to the massive inflow of tourists at the Rugby World Cup in 2023, France and Ireland have decided to work together and launch a ferry ticket.
The two countries have witnessed the massive interest generated by the sporting event and believe that a collaboration would best serve them in these circumstances.
Consequently, they will be taking a step towards launching a combined Sail and Rail ticket to travel to and from the two countries in 2024.
The combined ticket
The idea was first pitched in November 2022 by the President of France and the Taoiseach at the time, who believed that the combined ticket would simplify the booking process.
Moreover, they stressed upon the added benefit of facilitating travel between the two countries.
In addition, with the combined tickets, both France and Ireland will be able to play their roles in promoting an eco-friendly option of transportation at a reasonable and attractive fare.
More details
The Irish Department of Transport went on to explain that from the months of early September, people traveling between Ireland and France will be able to use these tickets.
Furthermore, the use of this ticket will be made available for people who use the train, as well as the ferry.
Consequently, passengers will easily be able to book a ticket by going onto the websites of the Irish and Brittany Ferries.
The transportation departments of each country further stressed that with the new Sail Rail facility, the people of either country or tourists will be able to avail of discounted fares.
As a result, passengers will be further encouraged to benefit from this new initiative.
Additionally, the departments of each country have noted that traveling to and from relevant train stations in respective countries has now become easier. This commute will be further facilitated by Sail-Rail packages.
Sail and Rail
For Irish and Brittany Ferries, people will be able to use various online booking platforms. These include Rail Europe, Trailine, along with several other well-known participating operators.
The countries will go ahead with their mutual plans to simplify arrangements even further by the time 2024 rolls around.
Soon after the launch of the Sail and Rail tickets, one booking will be counted as valid for both sea and rail journeys.
The decision to combine train and ferry tickets was taken by the two countries together to ensure that people use the most energy-efficient modes of transportation.
They also understand that these two methods of commuting are much more sustainable as opposed to air travel and want to encourage people to lean towards these.
For the same length of distance, a ferry emits only 1% of the overall carbon dioxide per ton-km that an airplane does.
Consequently, a train releases 8% of carbon dioxide per ton-km for the same distance as an aircraft.
This is just another initiative taken by countries that are a part of the EU Commission.
For years, other member states have also been trying to play their role in becoming more eco-friendly and promoting practices that are more responsible toward the environment.
