How does HSR compare environmentally to other modes of transport?
Rail is by far the most environmentally sustainable form of mass transit. Experience from other countries shows that high speed rail is a mode that can encourage significant numbers of people to transfer from other, less sustainable forms of transport, such as the car and plane, meaning that high-speed rail can make a significant contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction initiative. High-speed trains have a high load factor, typically around 70% (meaning that 70% of the available seats are taken). This compares to around 80% for short-haul aviation and 30% for cars. At these levels the CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre are compared below.
