Back on track: 3 benefits of train travel
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. It's a necessity for a modern travel program.
As concerns about the impact of travel on the environment continue to grow, sustainable travel has become a hot topic – almost as hot as the melting ice caps.
According to a recent study by travel company Virtuoso, 82% of participants said the pandemic has made them want to travel more responsibly in the future. And one way to accomplish this? Taking the train.
We know what you might be thinking – trains are slow and inconvenient. But don’t roll your eyes just yet. Not only is train travel a greener option in comparison to air travel, it also offers unique benefits that you may not have considered. So, let's explore three reasons why you should take the train instead of boarding a two hour flight.
1. Work on the go
Picture this: you're on a train, cruising through dynamic landscapes, your laptop open in front of you. You're sipping on a coffee and typing away, with more legroom than you'd have on a plane and without the fear of turbulence spilling your drink. Meanwhile, your coworkers are seated nearby, also typing away or bouncing ideas off of each other. Sure, the ride may take a bit longer to get to your destination, but now you get to optimize every moment of your journey.
Unlike other forms of transportation, the train is a great place to get work done en route. It offers a smoother ride than a car, where you’d have to focus on the road, and a plane, where the cramped tray tables make responding to emails a nightmare. Plus, free WiFi and onboard charging stations mean you can stay connected and productive throughout your work journey. Not every airline can offer that.
And if you’re traveling as a team, the train makes it easier to interact and work together. That means less time coordinating logistics and more time prepping for that big presentation.
2. Low-stress meets accessibility
Let’s face it: Airports and TSA lines are a hassle at best. And who wants to go through that headache just for a 2-hour flight?
Taking the train is as easy as buying a ticket and hopping on board. No complicated check-in process required. And unlike flights, trains usually arrive and depart on time, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected delays that leave you scrambling to recalibrate your plans. Just keep in mind this means you’ll have to be on time every time. Otherwise, you might get stuck at the station.
And the best part about traveling by rail? Almost anyone can.
Trains offer a more accessible travel option for employees who experience flight anxiety or other accessibility challenges that make other forms of transportation difficult. For example, pregnant people can't fly during the third trimester. And when it comes to short-distance travel, some employees may have disabilities that prevent them from getting a driver's license or using ride-sharing services. Accessible Ubers aren’t available everywhere!
By offering train travel, you’re putting employees’ needs first and showing your travel program’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I).
3. Direct shot to your destination
Not every location has an airport – especially not smaller cities and towns. So if you have an event that’s anywhere but in a big city, you’ll have to spend additional time and money traveling from the airport to your hotel (and back). And that’s assuming you don’t also have to go through the hassle of layovers and connecting flights.
But when you travel by train, you’re typically on a direct route to your destination. Trains can be found pretty much everywhere and do run through small cities and towns. This means you’ll get much closer to where you need to be without that extra hour in a cab. It’s a one-and-done deal!
And when it comes to international travel, combining a plane with a train can help travelers avoid the stress of renting a car overseas…and subsequently needing to learn the rules of the road in a new country. Your travelers can just sit back, relax, and let the train take them exactly where they need to be!
Trains before planes
While taking the train may not always be the swiftest option, it is certainly one of the greenest. Riding the rails can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while also enjoying a stress-free and productive travel experience.
And if you're looking to make sustainable travel a priority for your organization, FCM Consulting is here to help. Our team of experts can work with you to develop a travel program that not only meets your sustainability goals but also meets the needs of your employees and your business.
Ready for smarter, swifter, greener travel? Let’s talk.
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