Transport for the North has urged people to consider taking the train to reduce carbon emissions.

With roads across the North busier than at any time in the last 18 months, and many cities facing lengthy daily traffic jams, the transport body says there are ‘more reasons than ever’ to consider the train as an alternative.

David Hoggarth, strategic rail director at Transport for the North said: “The pandemic gave everyone time to think – to re-assess our travel needs – and to give greater consideration to the environment when we do make the decision to travel – and in this context, rail is without doubt a sensible option if you are travelling between areas across the North.”

Recent research from the rail industry and University College London neuroscientists has also suggested that commuting to work by train offers psychological benefits in terms of wellbeing and brain function.

In addition, the Rail Delivery Group has calculated that, on average, a train can remove up to 500 cars from the road.

And train operators are pledging to lower their own emissions.

Last week saw TransPennine Express, which has already cut carbon emissions by 18 per cent since 2019, make a public commitment to drive down its emissions further, joining the Science Based Targets initiative to compile a clear set of targets to support a greener future for operations.

“We’ve known for a long time that rail travel is a great transport option,” said Mr Hoggarth, “now is a great opportunity for people to embrace the benefits of making the change from road to rail.”

Transport for the North is set to publish its Decarbonisation Strategy before the end of the calendar year, outlining how the strategic body will lead the agenda for the North’s transport of the future.