Global environmental advocacy group Greenpeace has published a report into rail ticketing, along with partners the Foundation for Integrated Transport and Greengauge 21, recommending the UK moves towards a “subscription” model – with the climate at its core. 

Based on the Austrian “Klimaticket” model, the pressure groups said a monthly UK-wide “climate ticket” could produce a fairer ticketing system and boost the use of the UK’s railways. 

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

When a similar ticket was introduced in Germany, DB reported a 28% uptick in rail use. Greenpeace said a similar figure would be achieved in the UK. 

Instead of a complex milage system, or a zonal one that would require passengers to add “top-ups” when visiting major cities, the paper argued for a flat monthly rate. 

“A key attraction is its simplicity, although as in Germany and Austria, there could be varying price levels that might match the various railcards on offer in the UK,” Fare Britannia set out. 

The simplicity of the approach, and the intention to make a more equitable system of rail ticketing, are intended to solve two of the largest problems UK rail passengers currently face: exorbitant cost and a Byzantine system of privatised TOCs across a jigsaw of the national network. 

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

But the overriding concern for Greenpeace is its aim to cut the number of automobile journeys taken in the UK by assisting a modal shift to rail. 

You can read the full report here.

Railway Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Railway Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact across the defence sector.

Excellence in Action
Winning the Innovation Award in the Reservation Systems category, EAO’s advanced seat reservation system tackles urbanisation and rising mobility demands head on. Explore how its adaptable HMI, modular design and energy saving display technology help operators boost capacity utilisation and improve the passenger experience.

Discover the Impact