Rail Minister launches Rail Day, the first day of Better Transport Week at King’s Cross Railway Station
Rail Minister Huw Merriman officially launched Rail Day, the first day of Better Transport Week, at King’s Cross Station in London today.
Better Transport Week, which is being initiated by sustainable transport charity Campaign for Better Transport, is a week-long celebration of sustainable transport. It aims to promote the wide range of benefits of public transport, shared mobility, walking and cycling and encourage more people to travel sustainably. The week runs from 12 to 18 June.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “It’s great to be waving the flag for rail – one of the greenest forms of transport – and kickstarting Better Transport Week. As a Government, we recognise our railways will be key to unlocking a more sustainable transport network which is why, amongst many initiatives, we’ve electrified more than 1,200 miles of track in the past decade alone.
“Over the past 50 years, Campaign for Better Transport has been doing a fantastic job at shining a valuable spotlight on the green transport options already out there and promoting the wide range of benefits of public transport, walking and cycling brings. Here’s to the next 50.”
As the UK’s leading transport charity, Campaign for Better Transport has launched Better Transport Week to celebrate its 50th year of campaigning for sustainable transport.
Norman Baker from Campaign for Better Transport said: “We’re here today at King’s Cross Station to launch Rail Day, the first day of Better Transport Week. Rail transports millions of people and millions of tonnes of freight every year. As one of the greenest ways to travel, rail plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and traffic on our roads, contributing to our economy and connecting communities. We are delighted to be celebrating sustainable transport through the first ever Better Transport Week. The sheer number of partners that have pledged support for the week, from central and local government, industry and business, to NGOs and passenger groups, shows just how important and valuable sustainable transport is.”
Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s Rail Investment Centre of Excellence Director, said: “As we partner with Campaign for Better Transport to launch the first Better Transport Week, there’s never been a better time to remind people of the valuable role that our rail network plays in people’s everyday lives. As well as helping to connect millions of people every day with work, education and leisure opportunities, rail travel is crucial to supporting sustainable economic recovery and growth while also helping Government to meet zero-carbon targets. We’re pleased to be working with Campaign for Better Transport, and our industry partners, to celebrate the benefits of sustainable rail travel.”
Seb Gordon, Director of Communications and Engagement at Great British Railways Transition Team, a Better Transport Week official partner, said: “Rail is one of the greenest ways to travel, and has a big role to play in our national decarbonisation journey. But for many, it’s difficult or even impossible to get to or from a train station by public transport, walking or cycling. Car dependency is still built into housing and commercial development where it needn’t be, and the bill for that, economically, environmentally and for our health, is huge. That’s why we’re designing Great British Railways to work more closely with the wider transport sector, so that together we can support the sustainable ambitions of local and regional authorities across the country.”
The launch at King’s Cross station kicks off a week of activities and events up and down the country, with a different transport theme each day the week.
- Monday (12 June) is rail day with the public launch of the week at Kings Cross Station in London with rail minister Huw Merriman.
- Tuesday (13 June) is bus and coach day, celebrating our most used form of public transport, with an event in Nottingham attended by buses minister Richard Holden.
- Wednesday (14 June) celebrates the local transport we use day in day out with a particular focus on light rail.
- Thursday (15 June) highlights how the use of sustainable transport can help clean up our air and improve our health as part of National Clean Air Day.
- Friday (16 June) focuses on how businesses can reduce their transport emissions and encourage their employees to travel to work more sustainably.
- Saturday (16 June) and Sunday (17 June) sees a two-day celebration of public transport, walking and cycling.
There are also a number of competitions running throughout the week with prizes including Eurostar tickets, rail vouchers and bike helmets. A number of Better Transport Week partners are also offering special discounts and offers during the week to save people money and encourage them to travel sustainably.
For more information see www.bettertransport.org.uk/better-transport-week
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For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk
Notes to Editors
- Better Transport Week runs from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 June and aims to promote public transport, shared mobility and active travel to mark the transport charity’s 50th year of campaigning. For more information visit the Better Transport Week webpage.
- Read the full list of Better Transport Week partners here.
- Campaign for Better Transport was founded as Transport 2000 on 6 February 1973. 2023 marks its 50th year of campaigning 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) which operates in England and Wales.
