A planning document published this week by the Association of Train Operating Companies,makes a case for shorter off-peak trains to cut CO2 emissions.

The document argues that in the current recession with less people travelling, running shorter trains with less carriages could help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20%. The
document makes the point that moving carriages full of air around the network is wasteful,
and that by matching supply and demand the rail industry could reinforce and strengthen
its reputation as an environmentally friendly travel method.

So far the proposal has been rejected by Government Ministers but it comes at a time
when predictions are being made that new rail lines will be required especially in the
South East of England to cope with growing passenger numbers.