Trains or locomotive engines go as far back as the 1800s. They used to be the best way to transport people from one point to another. They were also mainly responsible for transporting livestock and goods. Even though there have been several advancements made to the way we travel, there are still a lot of people who look forward to riding trains.
Trains, in fact, have come a long way from being a crude form of transportation to being the most comfortable and state-of-the-art to date. The widespread use of trains as a mode of transportation continues to rise in popularity every day. In the United Kingdom, people consider trains to be among the best modes to travel from one location to another.
The UK also uses trains more than any other country in the world. Trains are deemed the preferred mode of transportation for most people in the UK considering the geographical structure of the country.
34,000 Kilometres of Tracks
In the UK, there are 34,000 kilometres of tracks used by people to help them get to wherever they wish to go. The earliest passenger trains were made around the early 1800s. This led to a demand for mechanical design engineer jobs, and these attracted the brightest to work on creating the best trains.
Oldest Railway System
Trains are the fastest mode of travel in the UK. It affords convenience and allows people to explore their surroundings. Some of the oldest railways have been preserved as historical artefacts, allowing people to visit and learn. Many of these historical trains are still in good running condition and can be seen traversing through the countryside.
State-Controlled Railways
Privatisation of the railway systems was implemented from 1994 to 1997. Today, the railway system is a mix of private and government investments. The trains are mainly owned and run by private companies, while the infrastructure is owned by the government.
The railway companies operate renewable franchises for regular train service. Tickets for these trains are accessible at various railroad stations found all over the UK.
High-Speed Rail
The UK has several high-speed lines, which reach top speeds of more than 110 mph. These Eurostar services from London to Paris, France, and cities in Belgium and the Netherlands reach speeds of up to 186 mph.
The HS2 line will be the first domestic train service reaching speeds of more than of up to 250 mph. It is expected to cut train travel time from London to Glasgow from 4 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours and 32 minutes. Construction started in 2019. Phase 1 of the project will open in 2026 with services to Birmingham, with services to Manchester and Leeds to be opened by 2033.
Rail travel remains to be the best option for transportation if you wish to explore Europe. This continent is so closely knit and that is why people often use trains a lot. Many tourists come and see the UK. Take the trains and see the countryside through various cities.
