Modal shift

Switching travellers from higher-emission modes to lower ones, such as rail instead of short-haul air. Where journey times are competitive, policies increasingly encourage or require rail over flying for certain routes to cut emissions. Modal shift is one of the more direct and measurable levers companies have for reducing their sustainable travel footprint.

Modal shift is most effective on routes where rail can compete with air in total journey time. When check-in, security, boarding and transfers to and from airports are included, a train journey of three to four hours is often comparable to a short flight door to door. Many European routes fall into this category, and some countries have restricted short domestic flights where good rail alternatives exist. Rail also allows travellers to work more comfortably during the journey.

To encourage modal shift, companies can make rail the default option on certain routes, require justification for flights where a rail alternative exists, or show emissions for both options at the time of booking. Practical factors matter too: rail tickets must be easy to book in the same tool as flights, fares must be competitive and travellers must have access to support if trains are delayed or cancelled. Allowing travellers to work on the train, for example by booking a higher service class, can make rail more attractive.

Tumodo makes modal shift practical by bringing rail and air together on one platform. Train tickets across Europe can be booked in just a few clicks, with instant confirmation, alongside flights, hotels and car transfers in the same trip. Travel policies for international rail allow companies to set service classes, maximum travel time and route limits, and carbon footprint analytics in the Reports section show the impact of switching modes.