Londoners are embracing long-distance train travel more than any other global city, with almost half preferring rail over cars or planes, according to a new international survey. The research, commissioned by Hitachi Rail, highlights a significant shift towards greener, more sustainable travel options in the UK, particularly in the capital, as the country works to meet its Net Zero targets.
The survey, conducted by SavantaComRes, involved 12,000 people across 12 global cities, including London, Paris, Berlin, and Washington D.C. The results reveal that 46% of Londoners choose trains as their default mode of transport for long-distance journeys, compared to a global average of 34%. In contrast, 41% still opt for car travel, while just 10% would fly on short-haul routes.
The findings suggest that train travel will play an even greater role in the future, with 38% of respondents indicating they expect to use trains more frequently over the next five years. This far exceeds the anticipated growth in car travel (18%) and short-haul flights (3%). These trends come at a crucial time for the UK’s rail network, as the intercity leisure market continues to expand. Recent data from Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) shows the sector experienced a 12% revenue growth in 2023, with the rail industry enjoying a 10% year-on-year increase in revenues.
Support for Rail Over Short-Haul Flights
The survey also found strong support for policies promoting train travel over air travel. A notable 60% of Londoners backed a ban on short-haul flights where high-speed rail alternatives are available. This sentiment mirrors a similar policy introduced in France in 2023, which restricted domestic flights on routes with viable train services as part of wider efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Factors such as cost, convenience, and comfort were identified as key considerations in long-distance travel decisions. Many respondents who currently prefer cars or planes said they would be willing to switch to train travel if it were faster or cheaper. Meanwhile, those already favouring trains indicated they would continue to do so, even if cheaper or quicker alternatives emerged.
A majority (51%) of Londoners also supported the idea of increased air taxes to help fund the expansion of high-speed rail in the UK. This highlights the growing public demand for improved rail infrastructure as a sustainable alternative to flying.
The Rise of High-Speed Rail
The success of high-speed rail services in the UK has been highlighted by the Hitachi Rail-manufactured Lumo fleet, operated by FirstGroup, which runs between London and Edinburgh. Since its launch, the service has attracted over one million passengers and overtaken air travel as the preferred mode of transport for the route, demonstrating the potential of high-speed rail to transform intercity travel.
Hitachi Rail’s high-speed trains are a familiar sight across many key business and leisure routes in the UK, earning a reputation for their reliability. In 2023, the company’s fleets were recognised at the Golden Spanner Awards, where they received three different accolades for their consistent performance.
Jim Brewin, Chief Director of UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail, said: “This research underlines the incredible value of reliable, high-speed intercity rail travel in the UK. We know that a major shift to rail is required if we are to meet our Net Zero targets, and it is fantastic to see the UK lead the way globally for people choosing to travel by train rather than by plane or car for long-distance journeys.
“The data also tells us that more and more people expect to make the transition to more long-distance train travel in the next five years. There are clear signs that there is consumer appetite for rail. Matching that appetite with investment in rail will deliver the seamless and sustainable transport that passengers demand.”
Industry Leaders Emphasise the Importance of Rail Investment
Industry leaders have echoed the need for continued investment in rail infrastructure to meet growing demand. Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “The latest research highlights the significance of rail travel in the UK compared to other modes of transport. Not only is it the green choice, but it also offers comfort and convenience when travelling between city centres.
“The data tells us that more and more people expect to transition to long-distance train travel in the next five years instead of taking short-haul flights. While challenges remain, the potential for growth is there.”
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association, added: “It is encouraging that so many in the UK want to travel long-distance by rail, and it points to the fact that intercity trains provide quality time to work, rest, or play as part of the journey. This, alongside a positive passenger bounceback following the pandemic and recent figures on UK population growth, means that future demand for rail travel is going to be strong. We need to invest today to build the network capacity for tomorrow.”
As Londoners increasingly turn to train travel, the results of this study offer a clear indication of the public’s growing preference for sustainable, high-speed rail solutions over less environmentally friendly modes of transport.
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