Increased Train Travel Preference among Europeans for the Next Five Years Over Other Transport Methods
Traveling by plane might just be a thing of the past, with only a mere 2% expecting to fly more in the upcoming five years. Instead, train travel is experiencing a massive resurgence, particularly among Europeans.
A survey conducted by rail manufacturer Hitachi Rail involved over 11,000 individuals and found that nearly half of them plan to decrease their plane trips and opt for trains instead. Globally, more than 70% of respondents expressed their willingness to use public transportation more if it was connected better, with over half even willing to pay more for it.
Europe's Embrace of Train Travel
Europeans and North Americans anticipate a surge in train travel with flying becoming a thing of the past, according to the study. Currently, around one-third of long-distance journeys, those that are 2.5 hours or more, are handled by rail travel. One-third of those surveyed also foresee an increase in their train travel in the next year, with this figure rising to 40% for the next five years across countries and 49% across cities.
Conversely, plane travel is expected to remain stagnant, with only 2% expecting to fly more in the same timeframe. Respondents anticipate their car travel to grow, but by a staggering 50% less than rail.
A Ban on Short-Haul Flights?
62% of Europeans are in favor of legislation banning short-haul flights where high-speed rail alternatives exist. This figure rises to 67% in countries with an expanding network of high-speed rail routes, such as Europe. Already enforced in France and proposed in Spain, these bans have earned double the support compared to those opposed to them.
Across all surveyed locations, more people support funding new rail infrastructure using increased air or road taxes than those against it.
Addressing Challenges in Public Transport Usage
Passengers have identified crowding, affordability, and convenience as the main obstacles in increasing public transport usage. Despite these challenges, surveyed individuals expect to use rail travel more than any other form of transport in the next five years and are advocating for government action to facilitate this transition.
Edoardo La Ficara, the Group Chief Markets Officer at Hitachi Rail, commented, "Those surveyed expect to increase their rail usage more than any other form of transport in the next five years, and they support government action to enable this. As an industry, we have a crucial opportunity to meet this public demand by delivering a great sustainable mobility transition."
Key Findings:
- Environmental concerns drive the preference for rail travel.
- Rail stations are often more conveniently located than airports.
- In some instances, rail travel can be faster and cheaper than flying, especially for shorter journeys.
- Business travelers appreciate the opportunity to work during train travel.
- A majority of Europeans support legislations banning short-haul flights where high-speed rail alternatives are available.
Contributing Factors:
- Growing awareness of environmental impact.
- Implementation of policies encouraging rail over air travel.
- Increasing traveler preferences for convenience, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Widespread technological advancements in high-speed rail networks.
Europeans anticipate a significant increase in train travel as a lifestyle choice, with many favoring it over plane travel. Nearly half of surveyed individuals plan to decrease their plane trips and opt for trains instead, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable modes of travel.
