Railheading Explained

In the UK, railheading refers to the practice of travelling further than necessary to reach a rail service, typically by car. The phenomenon is common among commuters seeking a more convenient journey. Reasons for railheading include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Discounted fares may be available on another part of the route, but not from their local station - passengers may drive further to benefit from the discount.^[1]
• Where the local station is served less frequently, passengers may drive to a station with a more frequent service. This is often the case on branch lines or at stations where most trains pass through rather than stop.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Report to the Executive for Decision. PDF . 3–4 . 4 November 2002 . Fareham BC .