Eastbourne Students Ask Southern Rail: Can Trains Save the Environment? Discover How UK’s Green Travel Revolution Is Taking Shape!

Published on November 29, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Two students from the East Sussex College Group in Eastbourne have brought the question of sustainable commuting to the forefront, exploring how train travel compares to driving in terms of environmental impact. Logan Freeman and Zahim Yenipinar, both 17, conducted a half-hour radio documentary for Eastbourne Youth Radio, speaking with Jason Brooker, the Head of Environment & Sustainability at Southern Rail, about the benefits of train travel in reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener transportation options.

The radio documentary, which aired on 87.7FM Eastbourne Youth Radio and is available for streaming, aims to engage local communities, especially students, in understanding the environmental impact of their travel choices. The students’ discussion focused on the environmental differences between driving a car and using public transport, with a particular focus on rail travel, which is often considered one of the most sustainable modes of transport.

What Did the Students Discover About the Environmental Impact of Rail Travel?

In their conversation, Jason Brooker emphasized the significant environmental benefits of train travel, particularly Southern Rail’s electric fleet. With transport being responsible for 30% of the UK’s domestic carbon emissions, cars contribute the largest share—around 54%. Rail travel, on the other hand, accounts for just 1.3% of these emissions. This stark contrast underscores the efficiency of trains as a low-emission alternative to cars.

Brooker explained that trains, such as those operated by Southern Rail, are an environmentally-friendly public transport option because they carry many more passengers per unit of energy used compared to private cars. For instance, a trip from Eastbourne to Brighton on one of Southern Rail’s electric trains emits half the CO2 per passenger when compared to the same journey by car. Additionally, trains have a much longer lifespan than cars, with many of Southern Rail’s trains being over 20 years old and regularly refurbished, unlike most cars, which are replaced far earlier in their lifetime.

How Did the Students Address the Cost of Train Travel?

Logan and Zahim also addressed a common concern among potential rail passengers: the cost of train tickets. Jason Brooker pointed out that there are several ways to reduce the financial barrier to rail travel. For students, Southern Rail offers railcards that provide up to a third off ticket prices, making rail travel much more affordable. Advance fares are also available, with tickets to destinations such as London available for as little as £8. Additionally, the Unizone ticket, which offers unlimited discounted travel between home, study locations, and other destinations, is available for students studying at many Sussex colleges.

Brooker further highlighted the hidden costs of car travel, such as the high cost of parking in places like Brighton, where parking can cost upwards of £20 per day. The convenience of not having to worry about parking, combined with the environmental benefits of taking the train, makes rail travel a compelling option for those looking to reduce both their carbon footprint and their expenses.

What Are the Other Benefits of Train Travel, According to Southern Rail?

While many people worry about service disruptions on trains, Jason Brooker reassured listeners that Southern Rail has made significant improvements in its services, with frequent trains running between major destinations. In the event of delays, passengers can often find another train within a short time frame. Moreover, with traffic congestion increasing on major roads like the A27, choosing to travel by train can be a far more efficient and relaxing alternative to sitting in traffic.

The students also discussed how students and other frequent travelers benefit from the various programs offered by Southern Rail, such as the convenience of railcards, Unizone tickets, and the Podium Program, which offers additional rewards and discounts for regular travelers. These initiatives not only make train travel more affordable but also help encourage a shift toward more sustainable forms of transportation.

Why Is This Topic Important for Young People in Eastbourne and Beyond?

For Logan Freeman and Zahim Yenipinar, the topic was particularly relevant to their peers. Many students at East Sussex College Group are considering their first cars, and the documentary provided an opportunity to educate them about the environmental and financial benefits of choosing trains over cars. Logan noted that as more young people are beginning to make decisions about their transport choices, it is important to offer them alternatives that align with the global push for sustainability.

The aim of the documentary was not just to inform, but also to inspire a shift in how young people think about their environmental impact. Zahim emphasized that by highlighting the differences in carbon emissions between cars and trains, the hope is that more people will think carefully about the environmental consequences of their travel decisions.

How Did the Radio Documentary Inspire Listeners?

The students’ radio documentary provided an accessible way for local listeners, particularly young people, to learn more about the environmental implications of their transportation choices. The radio show is available for streaming on the Eastbourne Youth Radio website, making it easy for anyone to listen to the documentary and consider the points raised by the students and Jason Brooker about the benefits of taking the train over driving a car.

The documentary is a great example of how young people can engage with important issues like climate change and sustainability, and how media can be used as a tool to raise awareness about critical topics. By sparking conversation on the environmental impact of transportation, Logan and Zahim have contributed to the ongoing dialogue on how the UK—and especially young people—can reduce their carbon footprints.

Conclusion

As transport-related carbon emissions continue to rise, initiatives like this documentary help to educate the public, especially younger generations, about the positive impact of switching to greener forms of transport. With organizations like Southern Rail making significant strides in reducing their carbon emissions, the future of rail travel looks brighter than ever. Through their media project, Logan and Zahim have not only educated their peers in Eastbourne but have also contributed to a wider conversation about the role that rail travel can play in mitigating climate change.