"AIR travel between UK cities is falling in popularity while the numbers journeying by train is soaring, according to new figures out today."
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/news/Train-to-overtake-plane-for.6746051.jp
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Debate!
"Train to overtake plane for inter-city travel"
(5 posts)-
Posted 13 years ago #
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I'll read the article in a minute but I'd imagine the charges for using any payment method other than 'Sheckles' (Other comedy currencies are available) is the main reason people are mot travelling, but perhaps also the increasing unemployment rates meaning people can no longer afford such extravagancies.
Posted 13 years ago # -
I know a couple of regular Edinburgh to London business travellers who have switched from the plane to the train in the past couple of years. Their main motivation being that they are sick of the sheer hassle of flying. Travelling by train is much more relaxing, and they have more time in one place to do some work/get some kip on the train.
If you're going to the centre of London travel time is not significantly shorter unless you go to London City Airport, where the risk of delays to flights seems to be higher than LHR or LGW - it's no fun sitting in an emptying LCY at the end of the day as your delayed plane is the last one to fly.
Posted 13 years ago # -
The only advantage of LCY is that it's quick to get through if you're late. However, I know that I can turn up at KGX (even stations now have these strange abbreviations, so that's King's Cross to normal people)10 minutes before scheduled departure and still get on the train with plenty of time to spare. I might even manage it if I turn up five minutes before departure. You can't do that on the plane.
And I like the food on the train.
And I don't like the partial undressing that is now required for security. By the time I've got my shoes and belt off, I'm padding around in my socks with one hand holding up my trousers lest they slide off my slimline cyclist waist.
I get the sleeper down, which is nicer than getting up at silly o'clock for the redeye flight down.
It does still take about an hour longer to get home than flying though.
Posted 13 years ago # -
Not sure about the LCY thing, the DLR takes quite a while to get to Bank, although it seems easier. The major reason I would choose the train is if I'm taking lots of kit down (and then I'd try and get a 1st class upgrade :) )
Timewise it's getting to and from Edinburgh airport that's the big time suck!
Posted 13 years ago #
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