The Environmental Benefits of Rail Travel

Train Chartering is highlighting the environmental benefits of travel by train in comparison with air or road transportation by publishing headline facts and figures on www.trainchartering.com.

Recent research by consultant Paul Gridley for Train Chartering on behalf of a client taking delegates to an environmental conference has identified the lack of a single online source of the comparative benefits of rail vs. other transportation modes.

A train uses up to 70% less energy and causes up to 85% less air pollution than a jet aircraft.

Aircraft taking off and landing use a great deal of fuel, producing extremely high emissions of CO2 per passenger; short 1 hour flights have the greatest environmental impact. Intercity trains are easiest on the environment for the equivalent journey.

Simon Pielow from Train Chartering said "Although everyone knows that air travel is polluting, comparing the resulting emissions with those of a train is startling! How can any environment-aware organisation use aircraft for charters & groups travelling between cities that are linked by an efficient rail service? Government and indeed the rail industry should do more to promote train travel as a greener alternative to flying."

Paul Gridley adds "Business travel agents are increasingly offering their corporate clients the ability to select which flight to book based on carbon impact. This activity now needs to include comparisons with rail alternatives in order to present the whole picture."

Train Chartering is working with Paul Gridley on the development of a data source comparing the environmental impact of rail with other transport options, and invites submissions from interested parties.

ENDS

For more information
Environmental benefits of rail for large group travel - contact Train Chartering, Simon Pielow, +44 (0)1666 860172 www.trainchartering.com

Notes for editors

1. Press briefing notes from
   01923-783 347 or email info@trainchartering.com.
2. Nick Crane, the broadcaster, geographer and travel writer, has written about the environmental benefits of rail travel and why he will not be flying again in the Daily Telegraph on Saturday 22nd July 2006 - view the page here.
3. UK parliament MPs have called for a tax on air travel -
   More info here.
4. Train Chartering (www.trainchartering.com) is the pioneer of a coordinated approach to sourcing, theming and crewing special trains for film locations, as well as corporate & private events, airport or cruise liner transfers. This full service approach is enhanced by guest management services at stations.