In January 1989, the Community of European Railways presented their proposal for a high speed pan-European train network by the year 2020. If their proposal becomes a reality, it will revolutionize train travel in Europe. Journeys between major cities will take half time they take today. The quickest way to get from Paris to Frankfurt will be by train, not plane. When the network is complete, it will integrate three types of railway line: totally new high speed lines with train operating at speeds of 300 kilometers per hour, upgraded lines whicn allow for speeds up to 200 to 225 kilometers per hour, and existing lines for local connections and distributions of freight. Since France introduced the first 260-kilometer per hour high speed train service in 1981, the trains have achieved higher and higher speeds. If people accept the Community of European Railways' plan, the 21 century will be the new age of the train.