Throughout the world rail transport is recognised as an environmentally friendly form of transport.
Why is rail travel a better choice for the environment?
Energy consumption
Did you know that rail transport is one of the most energy efficient modes of transport?
In fact, greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometre for rail transport is up to five times less than that of car transport.
The Australian Rail Association has documented that only 2.2% of transport greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to rail. This 2.2% includes both passenger and freight rail so, in fact passenger rail contributes even less.
Efficiency
A train line can move 50,000 people an hour. Compare this with a freeway lane which can move 2500 people an hour.
What does it take to move 1000 people?
1 train (eight carriages)
15 buses
Anywhere from 250 to 1000 cars
This would then require 1.37 hectares of parking space in the Sydney Central Business District.
Cost
The external costs of rail in terms of noise, air pollution, accidents, infrastructure deterioration and congestion are much lower than using your private vehicle.
Safety
Urban rail transport is seven times safer than road per passenger kilometre.
Community benefits
The NSW community not only benefits environmentally when you choose CityRail. It also provides the community with:
a relaxing form of transport to travel around Sydney
relief from rising fuel costs
improved accessibility of business, shopping districts, events and social activities
a decrease in road congestion and traffic noise.
Our responsibility
CityRail recognises its own responsibility to protect the environment and to operate in a sustainable manner. We are continually striving to improve our environmental performance in areas such as:
air quality
biodiversity
energy management
noise and vibration
water
waste.
Climate change initiatives
We have risen to the challenge of combating climate change, through the following key initiatives:
Our new trains are equipped with regenerative braking capability, whereby the traction motors act as generators when braking to save electricity.
Participation in the Federal Government energy efficiency opportunities program, under which we are assessing energy usage across our operations to identify opportunities for greater efficiency.
Planning for participation in the upcoming Federal Government National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, in which we will publicly report data relating to our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as greenhouse gas abatement projects.
Considering energy and greenhouse requirements, in addition to other Ecologically Sustainable Development principles, in our business planning and procurement processes.
Purchasing a portion of electricity from accredited renewable sources to power train stations.
Participating in global climate change initiatives such as Earth Hour and World Environment Day.
Other areas where CityRail is making a positive impact on the environment include:
Collaborative mX newspaper recycling trial
Installation of water tanks at selected stations and depots
The promotion of water saving initiatives to the community.
How you can help
When you choose to travel by rail rather than by car, you are instantly making a personal contribution to minimise the impact on our environment. And every contribution counts, no matter how small.
Other ways you can help:
Encourage others to travel by train.
Walk or ride your bike to the train station to minimise the carbon footprint of your journey.
Take your rubbish with you for correct disposal either at work or at home.
Recycle your mX.
Keep noise to a minimum when riding a train and entering or leaving stations and their surrounds.
Report dirty carriages, vandalism or anti-social behaviour to 131 500.
For environmental complaints please contact the Rail Greenline on 1300 656 999.
If you can't use a train, visit check out other forms of public transport available using the Transport Infoline website.
At CityRail we will continue to do our part by implementing initiatives that will benefit the environment and the community, now and into the future.
For further information on the management of the environment please visit the RailCorp website.
