Last updated:Today at 23:03
Train companies affected:Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express
Last updated:Today at 21:11
Train companies affected:National Rail
Small Switch Big Difference
A small switch, like swapping 1 return car journey to train, could make a big difference in helping you reduce your carbon footprint
If every driver in Britain switched 1 return car journey to train, it would save the same CO2 as the population of Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol and Peterborough recycling for a year.
We’ve partnered with Campaign for Better Transport(external link, opens in a new tab) to show you show how a small switch, like swapping 1 return car journey to train, could make a big difference when it comes to helping tackle climate change.
The combined carbon savings of recycling, having 1 vegetarian day a week, replacing light bulbs with LED and washing clothes at 30 rather than 40 degrees, as well as swapping 1 return journey a month from car to train, can reduce someone’s carbon footprint by 15%.
Watch our video
Rail is one of the greenest forms of public transport, and plays a critical role in helping tackle climate change. We’re encouraging motorists to swap their car keys for a train ticket just once a year. It’s a small switch that could make a big difference
Choosing to travel by train can reduce traffic jams and air pollution while connecting you to the people, places and things you love. We’re encouraging everyone to think about which journeys they can switch to train to help tackle climate change
Looking for inspiration?
Check out these ideas for some great places to go for less when you travel by train.
10 Top Destinations for a Car-free Day Out
For a sustainable way to travel and enjoy a day out, nothing beats going by train. Check out these great places to explore, and leave the car at home!
Visit Great Britain’s Great Gardens
Escape the city and relax in the great outdoors. Explore wonderful gardens, from Kew to Birmingham Botanical Gardens, for less, when you travel by train
Nature Bathing by Train
Take the train for journeys into nature that bring the senses alive and help calm the mind and cleanse the soul
Get great offers on green days out
Save money on top attractions with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train.
2FOR1: Winkworth Arboretum
Nestled on a hillside in the heart of the Surrey Hills AONB, Winkworth Arboretum is the perfect spot for a walk, as the landscape changes with the seasons
2FOR1: Rutherford’s Punting Cambridge – Shared Punting Experience
One of Cambridge’s favourite pastimes, punting on the river Cam is the best way to explore the city and its charm
2FOR1: The Savill Garden
This 35-acre haven of gardens, woodland and seasonal display has delighted nature lovers since 1932
2FOR1: Claremont Landscape Garden
Claremont Landscape Garden is full of hidden surprises. You can explore the garden or take a boat out on the lake – and dogs are welcome!
2FOR1: WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
This gorgeous wetland reserve has 8 wildlife hides, boat safaris and is home to a collection of over 40 species of ducks, geese and swans from around the world in natural settings
2FOR1: Walking Tours
Stride out on a tour and find out more about everything from the secrets of cities around Great Britain, to history, film and music locations
Sign your business up for our new Green Travel Pledge carbon calculator
Our new Green Travel Pledge carbon emission data(external link, opens in a new tab) reveals that rail travel produces lower emissions than petrol and diesel cars for nearly 94% of 80,000 analysed business journeys across Britain.
We encourage businesses to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by signing up for our rail emissions data and using it to promote a shift toward train travel for their business journeys. By signing up, your business will gain access to the latest rail emissions insights, empowering your business to make continuous, eco-friendly travel decisions.
Start making a positive impact today and help build a more sustainable future.
Campaign for Better Transport(external link, opens in a new tab) has been our partner on this project and conducted the data calculations and substantiation of the data.
View and download the Small Switch Big Difference substantiations and calculations (PDF, 550kb)
Find more information about your train company’s sustainability initiatives using the links below.
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