Return journeys on the Marshlink line are both quicker and cheaper by rail rather than car, according to a detailed analysis.
Network Rail has conducted a study of journey times and costs to and from all stations between Brighton and Ashford International.
It looked at peak time and off-peak trips with comparisons for the cost of single and return train tickets as well as travel times and mileage costs for car journeys.
For trips on the Marshlink line, the official figures show:
:: Return journeys between Hastings and Ashford International can be up to 29 minutes quicker and up to £12.29 cheaper by train rather than car
:: Return journeys between Hastings and Rye can be up to 16 minutes quicker and up to £3.16 cheaper by train rather than car
:: Return journeys between Rye and Ashford International can be up to 26 minutes quicker and up to £7.85 cheaper by train rather than car
The actual figures for cost and time savings for each journey vary depending on the time of travel.
Marshlink Community Rail Partnership Line Chair Kevin Boorman said: “The area has so much to offer in terms of places to visit and sites to see. Using the train to get around makes sense. It’s not only quicker and cheaper than the car in most cases but also better for the environment.”
Go to Visit 1066 Country for more details of places to visit on the Marshlink line.
Click here for the full analysis and data from Network Rail.
:: Photo credits – Hastings Alexandra Park, Visit 1066 Country/Jonny Thompson; Ashford town centre, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership/Paul Bromley
