“In today’s current climate, many countries have set the goal to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases which would not be possible without the contribution of the public transport sector. The rail industry plays an important role in this; rail transport was always a great part of public transport and will continue to be in the future. Whether it is used to commute to the office by using city trams or to travel to visit friends and family in different countries by travelling via long distance trains, rail is fulfilling the purpose of travellers for a variety of reasons. Due to this, train operators are expanding their network, but is it enough to attract more passengers?
When passengers travel, they seek reliability and punctuality in the mode of transport they choose. For this reason, using their own car is likely to win over choosing a sustainable mode of public transport. Over and above reliability, factors including low cost and comfortable seating can increase the flow of passengers leaning towards using public transport more regularly. Cost is not always monetary, it can also include the length of travel time to reach the destination as this can be a consideration factor for passengers depending on their plans. Train operators need to creatively consider ways that they can give travel time back to passengers as an encouraging factor. The use of the latest technology and digitalisation trends can help to achieve this goal and to build trust with passengers. For example, providing uninterrupted WiFi on-board will allow passengers to use their travel time in a more productive manner, i.e. preparing for an upcoming meeting or completing an assignment on the way to an Educational Institute. Reliable and uninterrupted WiFi is a draw for passengers.”