Benefits of Public Transport: Train Vs Car

While personal car ownership is often seen as the most convenient mode of transportation, it comes with significant drawbacks, including high costs and negative environmental impacts.

On the other hand, public transportation offers a practical and more sustainable alternative that addresses many of the challenges of car dependency. Here are some reasons why public transportation could be a better option. 

Public transportation is more affordable than owning a car

Owning and maintaining a vehicle can be expensive. The average annual cost of car ownership in the UK is around £3,350, according to NimbleFins, covering expenses such as fuel, insurance, road tax, and maintenance. This doesn’t even factor in occasional costs like repairs, parking, and fines.

Public transportation, by contrast, is significantly more affordable. Instead of paying for ongoing car-related costs, passengers simply pay a fixed fare for their journey, with discounts often available for students, seniors, and low-income individuals. Public transit can be exceptionally cost-effective in cities where parking is scarce or expensive, eliminating the need to find and pay for parking spaces.

In addition, public transport offers various options, such as pay-as-you-go or discounted monthly and annual passes, making it easier to plan transportation costs and save money. For example, a monthly train pass is generally much lower than the total cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance for a car. As a result, individuals who switch from driving to using public transport can save significant amounts of money each year. Public transit becomes even more cost-effective in cities like London, where congestion and fuel costs are high.

Railcards: Which should you choose? Find out your best match here. 

Public transportation helps reduce traffic congestion

Traffic congestion is a significant problem in cities worldwide, especially in busy urban areas. In the UK, road traffic is increasing, leading to longer travel times, higher fuel consumption, and more significant stress for commuters.

By choosing public transportation, individuals can reduce the number of cars on the road, helping to ease congestion. According to the Office of Rail and Road, 1.7 billion train journeys were made in the 12 months to December 2024, showcasing trains' crucial role in alleviating traffic. Public transit helps free up road space, allowing vehicles to move more freely and reducing travel time for everyone, including those who still need to drive. 

By reducing the number of private vehicles on the road, public transportation also helps cut down on road maintenance costs, which are paid for by taxpayers. Cities that invest in improving public transport infrastructure can see reduced road repair and maintenance costs over time, as fewer cars lead to less wear and tear on the road network.

Want to stop wasting time on your daily commute? Read our 5 easy ways to save precious minutes during the week.

Public transportation is more energy efficient than private vehicles

Public transportation systems are inherently more energy-efficient than cars. A train can carry many more passengers than a single car, reducing the energy required per person to travel.

For instance, a fully occupied train is far more fuel-efficient than multiple single-occupancy vehicles driving the same route. This efficiency is critical in reducing overall energy consumption and promoting sustainability.
In addition to being energy-efficient, public transportation helps reduce the need for extensive infrastructure that would otherwise be required to accommodate many private cars. Roads, highways, and car parks all require energy and resources to build and maintain. Public transport systems help cities reduce this demand, contributing to a smaller ecological footprint.

Train vs car emissions

Private cars are one of the most significant sources of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, contributing to climate change and air pollution. According to studies, personal vehicles account for more than half of the transportation sector's CO₂ emissions. However, public transport is a much greener option. By reducing the number of cars on the road, public transit helps lower overall CO₂ emissions in cities.

It’s estimated that using public transportation instead of driving can help save up to 30% of a person’s CO₂ emissions. Every year, public transport in the UK helps cut down over 37 million metric tons of CO₂, the equivalent of the emissions from electricity use in nearly 5 million households. If more people embraced public transport, these numbers could rise significantly, reducing urban air pollution and contributing to the fight against climate change.

Public transportation enhances accessibility and mobility for all

Public transport is vital in providing mobility to all segments of society. Not everyone can afford a private vehicle or is physically able to drive, which is why public transit is essential for ensuring that people can access vital services, work, education, and social activities. Public transportation systems create opportunities for those who would otherwise be left behind, including the elderly, disabled, and those from low-income backgrounds.

When people rely on cars for transportation, there are often barriers, such as high costs, limited access to parking, or the inability to drive. Public transport removes these barriers and helps ensure that no one is excluded from participating in society. For example, according to London Gov.UK, nearly one-quarter of households do not own a car but still have access to a wide range of transportation options, including buses, trains, and the underground. This ensures that even without a private vehicle, people can easily navigate the city.

For further ease of travel, consider looking into Grand Central’s travel assistance and passenger assist service.

Public transportation is safer than driving a car

Safety is a significant concern for anyone who drives a car. Statistically, public transportation is much safer than driving. According to the UK Department for Transport, public transport has a far lower rate of accidents than private cars. Trains are operated by trained professionals who follow strict safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents. Furthermore, public transport systems can accommodate many more people at once, which means fewer vehicles are on the road, ultimately leading to fewer opportunities for accidents.

By taking public transport, individuals also remove the risk of being involved in accidents caused by impaired or distracted driving. Public transport provides a safer alternative for those who may otherwise be tempted to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reducing the risk of accidents related to impaired driving.

See what safety checks our train drivers do in our day in the life of a train driver article. 

Public transport reduces pollution in cities

Air pollution is a significant issue in urban areas, with cars being one of the leading contributors to poor air quality. Exhaust fumes from vehicles release harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, which can exacerbate respiratory and other health problems. Public transportation reduces the number of private cars on the road, reducing pollution and improving air quality.

Recent reports from the European Parliament suggest that Transport was responsible for about a quarter of the EU's total CO2 emissions in 2019, of which 71.7% came from road transportation. People can significantly reduce their pollution contributions by switching to public transit. Additionally, as more cities adopt electric trains, the environmental impact of public transport will continue to improve, further reducing pollution in urban areas.

Public transit encourages healthier lifestyles

One often overlooked benefit of public transportation is its ability to promote physical activity. Commuters who use public transit typically walk to and from stations or bus stops, incorporating physical exercise into their daily routines. This added movement can help combat the sedentary lifestyles common in car-dependent societies. Studies by the National Institutes of Health show that each weekly trip made by public transport is significantly associated with an extra 412.7 steps/day in older adults (equivalent to about 8 minutes of walking). (2) Public transport trips made by older adults are significantly associated with minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity/day (ln = 0.06).

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Contribute to these benefits by booking Grand Central train tickets

In today’s world, the advantages of public transportation - reducing costs, lowering emissions, improving safety, or enhancing community mobility are undeniable.

As cities continue to grow and urban challenges become more complex, public transport systems like Grand Central Trains offer a reliable, efficient, and sustainable way to get from point A to point B. By choosing public transportation, individuals not only save money but also contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment, and more connected society.

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