Leisure now the most common reason for travelling by train: transport charity reacts
9 April 2025
Responding to the news that leisure is now the most common reason for travelling by train, Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said:
“Rail enriches our lives and supports the leisure and tourism sector. Every time a leisure traveller chooses rail, it reduces traffic on our roads, air pollution and carbon emissions, so Government and rail industry need to make sure they are meeting the needs of leisure travellers. This includes affordable fares, space on board for luggage and bikes, and managing work on the network so it minimises disruption to services during busy holiday periods and sporting fixtures.”
Ben Plowden added:
“The Government’s rail reform programme needs to create a railway fit for the future that reflects changing travel patterns. But rail must also work to retain and increase commuting and business travel. The annual rail fare rise cannot continue while fuel duty for drivers remains frozen – this is a clear disincentive to rail commuting. And the Government should encourage businesses to adopt a rail-first travel policy and make rail fares competitive with flying, to encourage more people to choose the train for business travel.”
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
New research from the Department for Transport shows that leisure is the most common reason for travelling by train.
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).
