The ongoing effects of the economic crisis that has driven many car hire and air travel operators out of business over the past 18 months has unveiled a bright side for rail passengers.

With business travellers have been suffering from budget cuts by employers worldwide, many have been forced to turn to rail travel as a more financially viable alternative. The continued push across the UK and Europe for high-speed rail networks has also wooed many to the benefits of business travel by train.

The Guild of Travel Management Companies has released data which shows that train bookings grew by around 13 percent in 2009. At the same time, car hire bookings were down by a similar 13 percent while air travel fell by more than 15 percent, despite recent promotions and huge discount offerings. The research group anticipates that rail travel will be the preferred commuting option of up to 80 percent of UK workers.

The rail industry has been on an excellent run over the past twelve months, and the market is fast becoming the primary focus for travel companies, particularly with the proposed high-speed rail links ear-marked for most major British destinations over the next few years. The existing Labour government has made no secret that it is seeking to implement environmentally-friendly transport across the country wherever possible – from electric hybrid cars to battery powered bicycles. Whatever the result, rail operators are watching developments with a keen sense of anticipation.