7 Things We Learned From the BTA Rail Whitepaper
Key Takeaways That Could Shape the Future of UK Rail TravelBTA Rail Whitepaper
The Business Travel Association (BTA) has recently published the findings of a comprehensive report underscoring the vital role business travel plays in the UK economy. Contributing £27.5 billion in 2022 and supporting over 280,000 jobs, business travel is a cornerstone of national growth and connectivity. However, the report also highlights critical challenges facing the sector, particularly within the rail network, such as unreliable services, fragmented planning, and a lack of focus on the specific needs of business travellers.
Here, we highlight the key findings of the report and explore the BTA’s recommendations for creating a more integrated, efficient, and business-friendly transport system that supports long-term economic and environmental goals.
A Bold Vision for Britain’s Railways
In 2022 alone, business travel added £27.5 billion in value and supported over 280,000 jobs. However, so this momentum can continue, the UL must invest in better, more connected transport infrastructure. Without it, regions risk falling behind.
A modern, integrated network is not just about convenience – it’s essential for fair, sustainable growth across the UK.
Support for Great British Railways (GBR)
The Business Travel Association (BTA) supports the Government’s plan to create a guiding and coordinating mind through Great British Railways (GBR) – a central body to bring greater coordination and strategy to the UK’s rail network.
Although business trips make up just 10% of train journeys, they generate nearly five times more revenue per journey than leisure travel. However, rail still trails behind other transport options such as air travel and car hire, due to inconsistent service and a lack of joined-up planning.
A single guiding body like GBR could help fix this by streamlining operations and ensuring the rail system better meets the needs of both business and leisure passengers. This is important as in-person meetings are still the preferred and most effective way for UK businesses to collaborate, according to recent BTA research.
To make rail a more attractive and reliable option for business travellers, the system needs clearer oversight, better infrastructure, and a more integrated national network. The BTA urges that as changes are made, the specific needs of business travellers are not overlooked and getting this right will support economic growth and create a transport system that works for everyone.
Need for Modal Shift Incentive
Business travellers are a vital part of the UK’s transport ecosystem yet many are still avoiding the railways. Why? According to the members of the BTA, it comes down to a mix of persistent issues such as unreliable service, expensive and limited ticket options and the ongoing disruption caused by strikes.
Getting business travel back to pre-pandemic levels is a priority, but there’s an even bigger opportunity on the table: encouraging a shift – or modal shift – from road and air travel to the railways. The demand already exists. In 2024 alone, BTA members booked 269,000 business flights between London (Heathrow and City airports) and Edinburgh, generating £30.5 million in revenue. Another 36,000 air trips were made between Heathrow and Manchester, worth £3 million. If even a portion of these trips were made by train instead of plane, the impact on the rail industry and the environment would be significant.
The BTA believes that with the right support, this shift can happen. To help accelerate this transition, the BTA is proposing an incentive model. Using research from Blackbox, they suggest a system where TMC’s are rewarded with additional commission for successfully shifting bookings from air to rail. For instance, if £10.8 million in rail bookings replaces flights, the total commission could increase by 3.5%, equating to an extra £380,000 for the travel provider. At scale, this approach could generate up to £10.8 million in additional value for the UK economy.
Beyond financial benefits, encouraging more rail travel supports broader goals reducing carbon emissions, easing pressure on domestic flights, and building a more resilient and sustainable transport network. Rail services must become more reliable, affordable, and business-friendly. And the Government must recognise that business travellers have different needs from leisure passengers. If they do, the railways could become the first choice, not the last resort, for professionals across the country.
Passenger Watchdog
The Business Travel Association (BTA) welcomes plans to introduce a new passenger watchdog that will represent travellers and hold the railway industry to account.
However, it’s vital that the term “passenger” is clearly defined to reflect the unique needs of different groups, particularly business travellers, whose requirements often differ significantly from those of leisure passengers. From distinct booking processes to tighter schedules, business travellers need tailored consideration.
The BTA urges that any new watchdog measures customer satisfaction, especially during disruptions, to better understand where improvements are needed. Although rail remains a key mode of travel for business, usage still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, currently at just 85% of September 2019 figures, largely due to ongoing uncertainty and a perceived lack of attention to the specific needs of corporate travellers. As road traffic nears full recovery, it’s time for rail to step up and restore confidence in its services for the business community.
Ticketing and Retail Reform
The BTA fully supports the Government’s ambition to simplify rail fares and ticketing and to drive innovation across the network. For years, the BTA has called for reforms that would make rail travel more straightforward for business travellers, who often face a very different experience from leisure passengers.
Unlike airlines, where competition and targeted business offerings are common, rail operators have yet to market or design services specifically for business needs. A major step forward would be the consolidation of the many train operator websites and apps into a single GBR (Great British Railways) retail platform, which the BTA strongly backs. However, simplifying the system isn’t just about convenience; it must also address high peak-time fares, especially on key business routes.
To truly improve the experience, updated booking technology should include features like travel disruption notifications, consistent fare rules, advance notice of timetable changes, flexible ticketing during delays, seat maps, train capacity data, and integrated Delay Repay options via original business-to-business booking platforms. These measures would represent a real leap forward in making rail a smarter, more reliable option for corporate travel.
Devolution and Strategic Planning
Currently, there’s a significant gap in national and regional transport planning when it comes to business travel. Many professionals are still forced to drive to meetings or conferences due to the lack of reliable public transport links between key business hubs.
The BTA believes Great British Railways (GBR) can play a vital role in coordinating these efforts, ensuring regions are better connected to national infrastructure, such as linking East Midlands business travellers more effectively to nearby airports.
Plugging gaps in transport connectivity is essential. For instance, there’s still no direct public transport route between Bristol Parkway and Bristol Airport, and only recently did Luton DART open, replacing an older shuttle system but at a much higher cost per mile -£4.90 for just 1.3 miles. These challenges not only inconvenience business travellers but also inflate costs unnecessarily.
The BTA supports the Sustainable Rail Blueprint’s vision of “putting rail at the heart of communities,” and urges GBR and regional bodies to clearly define decision-making processes and consultation points, whether for everyday operations or long-term infrastructure projects. Only through transparent collaboration and targeted planning can we create a rail system that meets the needs of modern business travel across the UK.
Business Traveller Experience
The Business Travel Association (BTA) urges the Government to embed the needs of business travellers into the core mission of the new rail passenger watchdog from the very beginning.
While business travellers have specific requirements such as reliable Wi-Fi, charging points, and minimal delays, meeting these needs will also benefit leisure travellers. Enhancing the rail experience with modern, consistent onboard facilities raises standards for all passengers, not just those travelling for work.
In today’s hybrid working environment, business travellers are more selective about how and where they spend their time. Delays and poor onboard connectivity can turn train journeys into unproductive “dead time,” discouraging rail use altogether. While some intercity services have improved Wi-Fi and power options, these features are still patchy across much of the network. A prime example is Thameslink, a major route linking key business hubs and airports, where trains lack basic amenities like charging ports, USB outlets, and tables. These shortcomings hinder productivity and convenience on one of the country’s most important business travel corridors.
Prioritising the needs of business travellers doesn’t just serve one audience – it sets a higher benchmark for the entire rail network. By planning with business users in mind, the industry can deliver a better, smarter travel experience for everyone.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of UK business travel hinges on a transformative shift toward a more integrated, reliable, and efficient rail system.
By addressing the unique needs of business travellers, from improved connectivity and streamlined ticketing to better onboard amenities and reduced disruptions, the Government and industry leaders can create a rail network that not only supports economic growth but also helps reduce the environmental footprint of domestic travel.
With the right investment, strategic planning, and collaboration through Great British Railways, the UK can position its rail system as the preferred mode of travel for business professionals across the nation, driving long-term success for both the economy and the planet.
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