One emerging trend in Europe is cheap or free public transport. In 2022, Germany trialled the Deutschlandticket scheme. It gave passengers unlimited travel on buses, trams and regional trains for €9 (£7.80) a month.
More than 52m Deutschlandticket tickets were sold during the trial, with people who usually shun public transport buying a fifth of them. It returned this year at €49 (£42.40) per month.
“The rail system in Europe is incredibly accessible, with quick, comfortable and affordable trains,” says sustainable travel writer Holly Tuppen, author of Sustainable Travel: The Essential Guide to Positive Impact Adventures. “We need that in the UK.”
Rail travel is also the least carbon-intensive type of motorised transport. A train from London to Paris emits 91 per cent less CO2 than flying.
“Coach travel is also great for reducing carbon emissions,” adds Tuppen, “and can be much more affordable than trains.”
Luxembourg was the first country to offer free public transport for all in 2020, followed by Malta, and scores of other destinations now offer discounted or free public transport.
“We’re now in a transition phase – parts of the travel industry genuinely committed to sustainability are looking for ways to make it easier and more compelling for travellers to make better choices,” says Tuppen.
Image: Daniel Abadia
