Passenger rail plays a growing and essential role in connecting our cities and towns. It is the mode of choice for more commuters and supports health and environmental benefits in the community.
Getting people to school and work
More people choose rail than other public transport options. While COVID-19 has impacted passenger numbers in the short term, demand for rail services is set to grow over time. In 2020-21 there were 518.7 million rail journeys, making rail the mode of choice for people who use public transport for their commute.
Providing a safe and convenient travel option
Rail services help bust congestion and provide a safe and convenient travel option to get to where you need to go. In fact, if just two per cent more people used rail each year, it would save the community $32 million in avoided accident costs.
New technologies such as real-time information on travel apps, digital passenger information displays and touchless technologies at the station or platform are making it even easier to catch the train, tram or light rail.
A healthier choice
Walking to the train station as part of your commute is the equivalent of walking 5.8 marathons a year. And every train commuter train of passengers takes 578 cars off the road. Combined with the lower emissions and improved community safety outcomes that rail delivers when compared with road, it is the clear transport mode of choice to support healthier, more sustainable communities.
A fast and reliable network
The rail industry continues to invest in its network to improve the speed and reliability of public transport services. Continued investment is needed to support faster and more frequent services to meet growing demand, support the needs of our growing population, drive regional growth and continue improving the customer experience.