Demand for public transport still waning

More research has underlined the growing trend away from public transport.

Analysis of its latest YourParkingSpace booking data, which advertises available parking spaces at train stations and in city centre locations near to offices and work places, reveals a clear drop for the former in favour of the latter.

It found that bookings at train stations were down 46% in September compared to February, while in city centres they are up 19%.

Harrison Woods, managing director, said: “Historically, train stations are one of our most popular locations but our research indicates a shift away from these as bookings for empty parking spaces has declined significantly. However, this is in stark contrast to empty parking spaces in town and city centre locations, which show a considerable rise in demand, most likely as more people now drive to their workplace.”

For example, bookings at Ebbsfleet International Station are down 59%, they are 45% down at Ashford International Station, 36% at York Station and 66% at Aylesbury Station. But they have risen 98% in Brighton city centre, 43% in Edinburgh and 28% in London.

Harrison added: “Where we work, and how we commute to work, has fundamentally changed. While lots of people are still working from home, many of those venturing to the office are avoiding the train and trying to get as close as possible to the workplace using their own vehicle.”