Campaign for Better Transport is calling on the Government to do more to promote rail as the green alternative to flying to help boost rail passenger numbers and tackle climate change.
A domestic flight produces up to seven times the amount of harmful greenhouse gas emissions as the equivalent train journey and is often comparable in journey length door to door. But the transport charity is concerned that a planned cut to Air Passenger Duty, coupled with a planned increase in rail fares, in the forthcoming Budget will send the wrong message about how the Government wants people to travel and mean more people choosing to fly.
To help prove the benefits of rail vs flying, Paul Tuohy and Norman Baker from Campaign for Better Transport will race from London’s Piccadilly Circus to St George’s Square in Glasgow on Friday 8 October with Paul travelling by plane and Norman by train.
The route has been chosen as the UK is set to host the 26th UN Climate Conference in Glasgow next month.
Media are welcome to attend the start and end of the race and Paul and Norman will be live tweeting via @CBTransport on route.
Photo credit: istockphoto.com (credit – urbanbuzz)
