Campaign for Better Transport responds to the CCC’s Seventh Carbon Budget

26 February 2025

“We are pleased to see the CCC identifying a shift towards sustainable transport, specifically buses and active travel, as well as zero-emission vehicles as crucial to reducing the UK’s carbon emissions from transport. As well as having a positive impact on the climate, public transport and active travel help reduce congestion, improve air quality and contribute to healthier lifestyles. We are disappointed that the CCC does not see a role for rail in this due to the length of time it takes to deliver rail infrastructure improvements. Making rail more affordable is the main factor that will help more people travel by train more often, and with reforms to the fares system due this Parliament, this is something the Government could focus on to help increase rail use. As this report highlights, sustainable transport can reduce carbon emissions as well as promote economic growth.”

ENDS

For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

1. Campaign for Better Transport commissioned Yonder to carry out an online omnibus survey as part of their report, Fix Fares for Good. The fieldwork was undertaken between 17-19 January 2025 with 1,102 respondents across Great Britain. When asked ‘What stops you from travelling more by rail?’, 44% of respondents said ‘train travel is too expensive’; 37% said ‘it is more convenient to drive’; 21% said ‘trains don’t go where I need to go’; 21% said ‘trains are too frequently cancelled or delayed’; 14% said ‘my nearest station is too far away’; 10% said ‘trains are too infrequent’; 6% said ‘none of these’; 5% said ‘other’; and 13% said ‘not applicable: I don’t want / need to travel by train’.
2. When asked ‘How much more likely would the following measures make you to travel by rail?’, 41% of people said ‘cheaper fares in general’ would make them ‘significantly’ more likely to travel by rail; 30% said ‘somewhat more likely’; 22% said ‘it wouldn’t make a difference’; and 7% said ‘don’t know’.
3. Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport’s vision is for all communities to have access to high quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life and protects the environment. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).