New research from Trainline Partner Solutions, one of Europe’s leading rail content distributors, has revealed more than two thirds (72%) of UK business travellers surveyed would like to take a higher proportion of trips in 2023 by lower carbon modes of transport such as rail. Respondents also demonstrated a concern about their carbon footprint from business travel in 2022, reported by more than six in ten of those surveyed (67%).

With business travel levels continuing to recover after the pandemic, more than half (53%) stated their volume of business trips in 2022 was either similar to or higher than the number they took annually pre-pandemic. Furthermore, 95% of respondents took a trip via car that could have been taken via an alternative mode of transport – with 66% agreeing they would have preferred to travel more by rail than they were able to.

Looking ahead to 2023, sustainability will ultimately be an important consideration for 78% of business travellers surveyed. These survey results demonstrate the potential for changing behaviours when it comes to business travel, with clear support amongst respondents for using alternative travel options to short-haul air and private car travel where possible.

Champa Magesh, president at Trainline Partner Solutions, comments: “We’re seeing a societal shift in the increasing importance people place on sustainability, which is naturally crossing over into their working lives. As this survey shows, this means business travellers are increasingly thinking about their carbon footprint, and likewise businesses are examining how travel contributes to their carbon disclosures. The good news is rail provides a natural answer to these challenges, offering a sustainable option to travellers and businesses alike.”