Train instead of flight: Germany's switch to sustainable travel is coming!

Train instead of flight: Germany's switch to sustainable travel is coming!

Mobility in Europe is facing a fundamental change. A recent survey by Hitachi Rail shows that almost half of the more than 11,000 people surveyed plan to use trains more and planes less in the next five years. This rethinking could also have a significant impact on the future of travel on the continent. Over 70% of respondents worldwide are willing to use public transport more if it is better connected. An evolving trend that could benefit rail travel in Europe and North America as air travel becomes less important.

At a time when climate protection and sustainable mobility are becoming increasingly important, more than half of the survey participants said they use public transport even at higher costs. Current statistics show that around 29% of long-distance journeys – meaning journeys lasting over 2.5 hours – are already made by train. It is noteworthy that only 2% of those surveyed expect to fly more in the next five years. Significantly more people plan to increase their car journeys, but at a rate of 50% less than with the train.

Calls for a ban on short-haul flights

A recent call from 14 environmental and mobility organizations calls for immediate action against ultra-short-haul flights. This demand, which is aimed at the coalition talks between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP, is reminiscent of the climate protection promises from the election campaign. The aim is to reduce air traffic, especially if the travel destination can be reached in less than four hours by train.

Jonas Asal from Robin Wood was critical of ultra-short-haul flights and described air travel as the most climate-damaging form of mobility. Werner Reh from BUND emphasizes that around 1.6 million tons of CO2 could be saved annually by reducing domestic flights by 50%. In this context, many citizens are also calling for a ban on domestic flights. According to a Forsa survey, around 50% of respondents want a complete ban in order to make significant progress in climate policy.

Public support and other measures

A law banning short-haul flights, already introduced in France, is also being proposed in Spain. In both countries, more than twice as many respondents support such a ban as oppose it. Among the population, 62% of Europeans and even 67% in Europe as a whole show support for legal measures that include high-speed trains as an alternative to short-haul flights.

In addition, many are in favor of new rail infrastructure being financed through higher taxes on air or road transport. This could not only make rail more attractive, but also reduce dependence on air traffic in order to come closer to climate goals. Tamara Hanstein from Attac calls for further incentives to use the train, such as adjusted travel expense guidelines for authorities and companies.

The current survey by Hitachi Rail and the diverse demands of environmental organizations combine to form a clear picture: the future of travel in Europe could become increasingly “green” and rail-oriented.