This is part four of a five-part series on decarbonising the rail industry. You can find part one, two and three here.

Every sector plays a crucial role in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The transportation industry, particularly rail transport, is often highlighted for its lower emissions than other modes like aviation and road vehicles. However, a significant yet frequently overlooked aspect is the impact of passenger behaviour on rail station emissions, precisely Scope 3 emissions. Understanding and addressing this impact is essential for achieving comprehensive sustainability goals.

The connection between passenger behaviour and rail station emissions

Rail stations are more than mere transit points; they are complex ecosystems where various activities contribute to the overall carbon footprint. While Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which are direct emissions from owned sources and indirect emissions from purchased energy, are critical, Scope 3 emissions often constitute most of a station's total emissions. Scope 3 emissions include all other indirect emissions in a company's value chain, such as passenger commuting choices.

As highlighted during a recent webinar on decarbonising rail stations, "Scope 3 emissions are a big deal hiding in plain sight." Although not directly controlled by the rail stations, these emissions significantly influence their overall environmental impact.

Understanding current commuting patterns

A case study centred on Bristol Temple Meads station offers valuable insights into passenger commuting habits and their associated emissions. A survey conducted as part of the research project "Identifying challenges and opportunities in decarbonising UK train stations" by Prof Hanak revealed noteworthy patterns:

• Significant use of cars: Approximately 23% of passengers travelling to BTM use personal vehicles or taxis

• Limited use of public transport: Only about 29% of passengers use buses, and an even smaller percentage use trains (12%) or walk to the station (20%)

• Awareness gap: Over 75% of passengers are unaware of the carbon footprint associated with their commuting choices

These patterns contribute heavily to the station's Scope 3 emissions, accounting for 60-80%.

The impact of commuter choices on emissions

The mode of transportation passengers choose to reach the rail station has a substantial impact on emissions:

• Personal vehicles and taxis: These contribute significantly higher emissions per passenger compared to public transport. The use of diesel or petrol cars increases the carbon footprint.

• Public transport: Buses and trains, especially those powered by electricity or alternative fuels, offer a lower-emission alternative.

• Active transport: Walking and cycling have negligible emissions and also provide health benefits.

Quantifying the carbon footprint reveals stark contrasts. For example, switching from a diesel car to an electric vehicle can reduce emissions by nearly four times. However, the adoption rate of electric cars among passengers remains low due to factors like cost and infrastructure availability.

Barriers to sustainable commuting

The survey data also identified several factors that hinder the shift toward more sustainable commuting options:

1. Convenience and accessibility - Passengers often choose cars for the convenience they offer. Limited availability and frequency of public transport services make alternatives less attractive. In general, people would like to change to more sustainable options, but these are usually inconvenient or more expensive.

2. Cost considerations - public transport fares can be higher than the perceived cost of using a personal vehicle, especially when travelling in groups. Without competitive pricing, passengers have little financial incentive to switch modes.

3. Lack of awareness - Many passengers are unaware of the environmental impact of their commuting choices. The survey indicated that 75% of people did not know their carbon footprint, highlighting a significant awareness gap.

Strategies to influence passenger behaviour

Addressing Scope 3 emissions requires a collaborative effort to influence and support sustainable passenger behaviour. This can be done via:

1. Enhancing public transport connectivity - Improving the frequency, reliability, and coverage of public transport can make it a more viable option. Integrating services to ensure seamless connections between different modes of transport reduces inconvenience.

2. Incentivising sustainable choices - Offering financial incentives, such as discounted fares for public transport or parking fees for personal vehicles, can encourage passengers to reconsider their choices. Implementing schemes like monthly travel cards at reduced rates, as discussed in Portugal, can make public transport more appealing.

3. Developing infrastructure for active travel - Investing in infrastructure that supports walking and cycling, such as safe pathways, secure bike parking, and bike-sharing programs, can promote active transport. These options not only reduce emissions but also contribute to public health.

4. Raising awareness - Educational campaigns highlighting the environmental impact of commuting choices can motivate passengers to change their behaviour. Still, there is limited awareness of the fact that if you travel to a train station by car, you emit three times more emissions than if you were taking the bus.

The role of technology and innovation

Real-time information platforms: Innovative solutions are instrumental in facilitating the shift toward sustainable commuting. Technology is pivotal in making alternative transportation options more accessible and appealing to passengers. Real-time information platforms, for instance, have significantly enhanced the convenience of public transport. These apps reduce uncertainty and waiting times by providing up-to-the-minute updates on schedules, delays, and availability, making public transport a more attractive option than personal vehicles.

Mobility as a service: Another transformative development is the concept of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS). Integrating various modes of transport into a single, user-friendly platform via MaaS allows passengers to plan, book, and pay for their journeys seamlessly using multiple transportation options. Such integration simplifies the travel experience and encourages public and shared transport modes over private cars.

Incentive programmes: Digital platforms can also leverage incentive programs to promote sustainable commuting. Apps that offer rewards or discounts for choosing eco-friendly transport options can motivate passengers to alter their habits. Gamification of the travel experience can engage a broader audience and foster long-term behavioural change toward more sustainable practices.

The need for collaboration and policy support

Sustainable commuting, however, requires support beyond individual choices; it requires collaborative efforts and robust policy support. Rail operators, local governments, and community organisations must work together to develop and implement strategies that make sustainable commuting more accessible and appealing. Partnerships between these stakeholders can lead to innovative solutions that address specific local challenges and needs.

Government policies play a crucial role in shaping the environment in which commuting choices are made. Implementing low-emission zones, congestion charges, or providing subsidies for public transport can incentivise passengers to opt for sustainable modes of travel. Such policy initiatives can shift the cost-benefit balance in favour of public and active transport, making them more competitive against personal vehicle use.

Investment in infrastructure is also essential to support the practical needs of passengers seeking alternatives to personal vehicles. Public investment in transport infrastructure, such as expanding bus lanes, enhancing train services, or improving pedestrian areas and cycling paths, can significantly improve the accessibility and convenience of sustainable transport options. By creating a supportive infrastructure, governments and local authorities can remove barriers to sustainable commuting and encourage more passengers to make environmentally friendly choices.

Conclusion: the collective impact of individual choices

Individual passenger choices significantly influence the journey toward decarbonising rail stations and achieving broader sustainability goals. While infrastructure and policy provide the framework, it is the collective shift in behaviour that drives meaningful change.

Passengers are encouraged to consider the environmental impact of their commuting habits and explore alternative modes of transport. As highlighted in our passenger survey, "majority of people actually indicated that they would change their travel behaviour, which is a positive output of the survey."

Rail industry stakeholders and policymakers are responsible for facilitating this change by improving infrastructure, providing incentives, and raising awareness. These efforts can substantially reduce Scope 3 emissions and move us closer to a sustainable future.

This article is based on research conducted within a project that has been funded by EPSRC as part of the Innovation Launchpad Network Plus in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult. 

illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.