Train or plane? Study reveals rail travel preferences among Leiden University academics
Would you be more likely to take the train for your next work trip, instead of flying, if you automatically got a first-class ticket? For many Leiden University academics, the answer is yes – according to research looking at what motivates academic staff to choose trains over planes.
The study was conducted as an online survey in early 2024 by the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), a team within Leiden University’s Knowledge Centre Psychology and Economic Behaviour. It was commissioned by Leiden University’s central sustainability team and completed by 100 academic staff members.
The results indicated that, on average, train was the preferred option for medium-distance trips (5:50 hours by train or 1:30 hours by plane). In addition, participants were more likely to choose to travel by train when:
- a first-class train ticket was set as the default option;
- the total time for flying was presented including time for airport procedures and travelling to the city centre from the destination airport.
About half of the participants also indicated that booking assistance would motivate them to take the train. They valued help to choose the best route and book the ticket, plus information about train amenities such as access to Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Sustainable business travel at Leiden University
Leiden University aims to cut its CO2 footprint by 65% in 2030 and 95% in 2050 (compared to 1990, the reference year). This includes travelling in the most sustainable way possible.
At Leiden University, taking the train is the norm when a destination can be reached by rail within six hours or 500 kilometres. For longer rail journeys (more than 500 kilometres or six hours away), first-class train tickets or a sleeping place in a night train can be booked.
To further encourage business trips by rail instead of flying, there is also an interactive travel map. The map shows travel time by rail to various European destinations, the number of transfers and availability of night trains. In the map, the travel time by plane reflects how long it takes to travel from Leiden to Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, and from the airport to the city centre. This puts the time-framing technique tested by the BIT study into practice.
The travel map is a project of the Leiden University Green Office and the central sustainability team.
Sustainability is one of our university's ongoing development themes for 2022-2027. Together we are creating a sustainable work and study environment, integrating sustainability in our teaching, and carrying out sustainability research across many faculties and domains. Learn more about how we are contributing to a sustainable future.
Photo: Jürgen via Pixabay