Business travellers more likely to consider rail

New research suggests that 59% of business travellers will be more likely to consider rail in future.

Announcing the results of a survey of 1,000 businesspeople who expect to travel at least once after pandemic-related restrictions are eased, Champa Magesh, the president of Trainline Partner Solutions, said: “When business travel returns, it will not look the same as before the pandemic. 

“One clear long-term trend is employees planning to reduce the impact their travel has on carbon emissions, and to reduce road travel and short-haul flights.

“Given rail generates less than 5% of the CO2 emissions of air travel and approximately 15% when compared to car travel per passenger, rail is the clear alternative.” 

Reaching destinations faster (29%), being able to work productively (26%), and the convenience of a train into a city centre (25%) were the top reasons given for choosing rail. Some 20% of those surveyed said they would be more likely to choose rail to reduce their carbon footprint.

The research found that some 92% of employees who travel for work could be encouraged to stop their use of cars entirely, with factors that would motivate them including faster rail options (34%), rising petrol costs (24%), and more luxurious train services (23%). 

Data also showed that 81% of travellers would support a ban on short business flights, such as that introduced in France. 

Trainline Partner Solutions was launched in June, to offer technology to travel management companies, businesses and rail carriers. Trainline itself brings together routes and fares from more than 270 rail and coach carriers across 45 countries.

The research was carried out between April 29 and May 6.