Rail companies across Europe unite with Youth for Sustainable Travel for special train to COP26
Service will begin at Amsterdam, bringing delegations and youth activists from across the continent to Glasgow for COP26
Journey will showcase importance of rail travel in battle against climate change
A special 'Climate Train' will operate between the Netherlands and Scotland today carrying passengers to COP26, the international climate change conference in Glasgow, thanks to a partnership between Avanti West Coast, Eurostar, NS, ProRail and Youth for Sustainable Travel.
Official delegations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Germany will join young people, MEPs, and NGOs such as Friends of the Earth and Oxfam, to enjoy one of the more sustainable ways to travel between the continent and COP26.
With a passenger's carbon footprint from one flight between Amsterdam and London the equivalent of seven Eurostar journeys1, there are significant carbon savings to be made by improving access to fast, seamless rail connections between the UK and the continent.
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “Our railways are one of the most sustainable ways for people to travel. As we host the world at COP26, I’m proud that our railway is playing its part in the fight against climate change. We are committed to achieving a net zero rail network by 2050, ensuring our railways continue to play a pivotal role in enabling greener, cleaner journeys for passengers.”
Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, who will be in Brussels-Midi station to send the train off this Saturday, said: “Taking the train to the climate summit in Glasgow is without a doubt the most climate friendly way for delegations to travel there. The train is sustainable and provides plenty of comfort, whether you travel for work or for pleasure. Moreover, inside Europe, the train is fast becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for flying, especially on shorter distances. I wish all travellers on the Climate Train an enjoyable journey and most of all I wish them plenty of success at the summit – we will see each other in Glasgow next week!”
Whilst travelling at 186mph between Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels and London, youth activists will come together with politicians and rail experts to debate and exchange ideas, tackling topics such as how to accelerate the modal shift towards sustainable travel and how innovation in rail can support this.
On arrival in London, delegates will make their way between St Pancras and Euston via London’s first “Wellbeing Walk” - an alternative walking route which aims to avoid high levels of pollution on the busier roads.
One of Avanti West Coast’s iconic Pendolinos, which is carrying delegates on the London to Glasgow part of the journey, has been fully wrapped with a unique sustainability design to celebrate the Climate Train journey. One flight between London and Glasgow is also the equivalent of almost seven train journeys. 2
A competition will be launched on social media to name the train to go alongside the design which was applied with the support of train builder Alstom, Aura Graphics and rolling stock company Angel Trains.
To mark the departure of the Climate Train, rail partners across Continental Europe have signed a message to COP26 - pledging to remain the most sustainable form of motorised transport, with a call for greater support for international rail routes in order to accelerate growth in sustainable travel.
Train operators in Britain also support the UK government’s commitment to deliver a net zero railway network by 2050, which research shows could create almost 6,000 long-term jobs, and to remove all diesel-only trains from the network by 2040.
Jacques Damas, Chief Executive Officer, Eurostar said: "Pre pandemic, demand for international high-speed rail had grown consistently across two decades, as passengers increasingly recognise the benefits of train versus plane. As an industry, our challenge is to take this further, helping our customers lower their carbon footprint as we invest in routes, timetables and a seamless customer experience. The Climate Train is a symbol of partnership between rail operators and a show of commitment to meet growing customer expectations when it comes to sustainable travel. "
Phil Whittingham, Managing Director, Avanti West Coast said: “Climate change is a serious threat to everyone on the planet and Avanti West Coast, like the wider rail industry, is committed to cleaner, greener transport for all. By uniting with operators across the continent, the climate train’s journey illustrates the ease of travelling between countries providing customers with a sustainable alternative.
“But our commitment goes beyond COP26. For example, in the next few years we will be replacing our diesel only trains with a combination of electric and bi-mode trains that will substantially reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment.”
The Climate Train concept was initiated by not-for-profit organisation Youth for Sustainable Travel and Dutch rail infrastructure manager ProRail, and became a reality thanks to collaboration with carriers Eurostar, NS and Avanti West Coast. It benefits from the financial support of all Infrastructure managers on the route (Infrabel, SNCF Réseau, Getlink, HS1) as well as SNCB and EWS Schönau. The initiative is also supported by CER – the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies, EIM - European Rail Infrastructure Managers and UIC - the International Union of Railways as part of the EU Year of Rail.
This data was created using DEFRA Carbon Conversion factors to establish CO2e totals for both train and plane journeys from London to Glasgow. Defra conversion factors are regularly updated and are used across the industry as a reputable conversion source. CO2e is the abbreviation of Carbon Dioxide equivalent. A term often used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases on the basis of their global warming potential.
Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR. LCR’s holding was transferred to the Treasury in 2014 and sold by the UK government to a consortium comprising Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Hermes Infrastructure in May 2015.
In recognition of its commitment to serving sustainable, responsibly sourced food on board, Eurostar holds the highest rating of three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).
Eurostar have committed to use 100% renewable electricity to power it's trains by 2030.
The “message to Glasgow” pledge has been signed by Eurostar, NS, ProRail, HS1, Getlink, SNCF, Infrabel, SNCB, CER, EIM and UIC.
About Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward.
We’re on a mission to revolutionise train travel, linking together the towns and major cities of the UK to create an iconic railway the country can be proud of. We’ve got big plans including a fleet of new intercity trains, as well as the complete refurbishment of the existing Pendolino train fleet. We will introduce more train services every week with new routes added, and a much-improved onboard service with enhanced free Wi-Fi, plug sockets, 25,000 brand new seats and improved catering.
Since December 2019, passengers have benefitted from improved passenger compensation, available for journeys delayed by just 15 minutes.
On board the Climate Train, first class passengers will experience Avanti West Coast’s menu which includes locally sourced ingredients that support communities on the route and reduce the carbon impact.
About ProRail
ProRail Going Growing Green - As the Dutch Rail Infrastructure Manager ProRail facilitates the daily transport of 1 million passengers and more than 100,000 tonnes of goods by train over 7,000 kilometres of track. We encourage more passenger and freight transport by rail, as one of the most sustainable forms of mobility. We work in a sustainable way and are constantly looking for innovative improvements.
About Youth For Sustainable Travel
Rail to the COP is a campaign by Youth for Sustainable Travel (YfST). YfST is a European non-profit aiming to promote sustainable travel and raise awareness about issues in the travel industry. The organization is registered and based in the Netherlands. In 2019 Youth for Sustainable Travel organized their first campaign, Sail to the COP.
The organizing team of Rail to the COP consists of Sail to the COP participants, the board of YfST and other young climate activists and experts.
About the Wellbeing Walk
On arrival at London St. Pancras, passengers will connect with London Euston using the wellbeing walk, which avoids the high pollution on the busy Euston road, or with a ride from Pedal Me cycle taxi service.