2004Modern Trains - Set

The new issue launched by the Romanian Post is part of the special stamp programme dedicated to the 23rd Universal Postal Congress, hosted by our country in 2004.

The chosen theme, modern trains, is a subject of considerable interest. We live in a time when speed is paramount and very-high-speed intercity passenger services with all the modern facilities are imperiously necessary nowadays.

In a world with an increasing concern to preserve the environment and reduce air, water and noise pollution, a railway offers an optimum solution to these problems.

Also, a railway is far more efficient in its use of fuel than either highway or air transportation. The economic activity from our country relies a lot on rail transportation.

The postage stamp set is composed of six stamps and one souvenir sheet that illustrate through dynamic compositions the following modern trains:

- The “TGV” (Train a Grande Vitesse) from France – on the 6,000 lei (ROL) stamp;

- The “EUROSTAR” of the Paris-London and London-Brussels routes – on the 56,000 lei (ROL) stamp;

- The “BULLET” from Japan – on the 4,000 lei (ROL) stamp;

- The “KTX” from South Korea – on the 10,000 lei (ROL) stamp;

- The “ICE” (Inter City Express) from Germany – on the 47,000 lei (ROL) stamp;

- The “AVE” (Alta Velocidad Espanola) from Spain – on the 16,000 lei (ROL) stamp;

- The “BLUE ARROW”, built by a German company for Romania with modern technologies and facilities, is depicted on the souvenir sheet. The train is endowed with ergonomic armchairs, windows with panoramic view, phonic isolation, automatic doors, modern lightening, broad passages and also has facilities for disabled persons.