Highest Railway Passenger Traffic In The World

Railroads For Passenger Use

Reliable public transportation is important for societies as it enables people to reach farther destinations more quickly. The idea behind rail transport dates back as far as ancient Greece. However, modern day infrastructure began in the early 1800’s. Countries share similar motivational factors behind the expansion of their passenger rail lines, large numbers of workers were needed to extract resources in far-off places. Human thought about geography changed as it became possible to move from one part of the country to another in mere hours rather than days.

Economic And Social Impact Of Passenger Trains

Passenger trains, particularly high-speed systems, have great economic and social benefits. To begin with, they allow consumers to save time, money, and energy while providing reliable transportation. Trains are affected neither by bad weather nor traffic congestion, this ensures delay-free mobility. People who would otherwise be too far away to consider employment in large urban centers are suddenly able to expand their employment possibilities thanks to passenger trains. Construction and maintenance of these train systems also create jobs and affects urban development. Since trains can carry more passengers than personal vehicles, they also emit lesser amounts of greenhouse gasses than conventional transportation methods.

Countries With Highest Passenger Traffic

If you long for the days when traveling by train was the only available option for long distance travel, consider visiting one of the countries on this list.

China serves approximately 772.8 billion passenger-kilometers yearly; passenger rail travel is one of the main modes of transportation in the country. Today, high-speed trains in this country can reach speeds of up to 217 miles per hour! The number of passengers opting to commute by railways is also gradually increasing every year. These trains have improved transportation comfort and speed for everyone, including rural migrant workers who are working in cities far from home. They are now able to return home quickly and cost-effectively for special occasions or family emergencies. Tourists are also able to navigate the country independently by utilizing rail services.

The second highest passenger traffic can be found in India where 770 billion passenger-kilometers are serviced annually. In contrast, some of the fastest trains in India reach only around 81 miles per hour. In the heavily populated cities of the country, avoiding traffic by taking trains is the most efficient way to get around. Consumers enjoy some of the lowest ticket fares in the world although, higher class fares are significantly more expensive.

After India, Japan takes third place with 255.9 billion passenger-kilometers every year. The most common use of passenger trains in this country is for travel between and within the big cities. True to the culture surrounding being on time, Japanese trains are some of the most punctual in the world. High-speed options can run up to speeds between 250 and 375 miles per hour and have changed the lifestyle of business travelers. Once taking nearly an entire work day to travel between Tokyo and Osaka, today, the trip can be made in a matter of hours. This option allows workers to be in their own beds at night.

Other countries with high passenger traffic include Russia (175.8 billion), France (88.3 billion), Germany (77 billion), Ukraine (53.1 billion), United Kingdom (51.8 billion), Italy (47 billion), and Egypt (40.8 billion).

Reasons To Travel By Train

Trains offer travels, whether for leisure or business, a more affordable alternative to flying with more predictable rates that are not likely to change. Depending on the country, discounts may even be available for senior citizens and students as well. If traveling for tourism, trains also provide a step back in time and offer landscape views that might otherwise be missed. Perhaps most importantly is that train travel is more energy efficient than personal vehicles and aircraft. The emissions that they do produce are less environmentally damaging (particularly when compared to flying).