Promoting the Benefits of Rail
Rail travel can contribute significantly to reducing emissions from surface transport. The average rail passenger generates about half of the emissions per kilometre compared with a passenger travelling by car. Electric trains have the lowest emissions of all mechanical transport modes.
Recent work undertaken by ATOC indicates that since 1995/96, passenger rail has reduced average emissions per passenger kilometre by an estimated 22% compared to an 8% reduction for car traffic. In the longer term it is estimated that rail can provide additional capacity at about half the current figure as it attracts a growing share of national traffic.
The more passengers we can attract to our services the more we can support emission reductions from the sector. Hull Trains has seen a 30% growth in passenger kilometres over the past year. As a result the emissions per passenger kilometre have reduced by nearly 17 grammes - a 22% reduction. Similarly growth in passenger numbers in First ScotRail has contributed to a seven gramme (10%) reduction per passenger journey.
A passenger travelling on our Edinburgh to London sleeper service is emitting around a fifth of the emissions they would if they made their journey by plane.
A First Great Western annual season ticket holder will typically save one tonne of carbon per year compared to commuting by car.
Rail freight also makes a vital contribution to protecting the environment and helping the Government to meet its commitments to improving air quality and tackling climate change. Rail freight creates 12 times less CO2 than road haulage. The average HGV generates 180 grammes of carbon dioxide per tonne mile. The average freight train generates 15 grammes.
GB Railfreight is making a significant contribution in this area. The last two years have seen significant growth as more businesses look to use rail freight, a trend which itself is reducing road haulage emission levels.
All these examples serve to show the significant benefits of public transport in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Over the coming year we will endeavour to better promote these benefits to our customers and develop our services in ways that promotes further passenger growth.