The average UK commuter loses nearly three days a year due to train and traffic delays, with two-thirds of adults believing the UK is notorious for ‘going nowhere fast.’ Road users spend an average of three hours and 20 minutes stuck in traffic each month, while train users face an additional two hours and 20 minutes of delays during their journeys. This frustration is amplified by the fact that 51% of people wish they could use public transport more frequently but worry about the potential delays.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Vodafone UK, in collaboration with WPI Strategy, has conducted new modelling that demonstrates the transformative potential of nationwide 5G Standalone (SA) for road and rail journeys. This technology could drastically reduce delays, enhance traffic management, and ultimately create a more enjoyable travel experience for passengers.
The modelling predicts a significant positive impact:
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Train users could save 26 million hours per year
thanks to 5G SA enabling more reliable train journeys, saving rail companies £10 million in delay compensation.*
Drivers could save £2 billion on fuel annually
, putting an additional £139.50 back in the pockets of regular road users.These benefits extend beyond individual savings. The study estimates that 5G Standalone could generate £3 billion for the UK economy, making it easier for people to move around the country with ease.
The research also highlights the frustrations commuters face with current travel options. 60% are deterred by the cost of travel, and 29% find rail travel unreliable. Frustration runs deep, with 73% lamenting the UK’s inability to replicate the reliable, cheaper services often seen abroad.
Despite the challenges, there’s potential for 5G Standalone to create a more productive commuting experience. The average commuter spends just over three hours working on the train each month, with half citing poor internet as a negative factor. While 19% appreciate the concept of working productively on trains, they perceive it as impractical. Vodafone’s modelling suggests that this could change, potentially adding £1 billion to the economy if customers could work an extra hour per month more productively on the train.
The study also sheds light on the anxieties drivers face. 39% are concerned about getting stuck in traffic jams, leading 32% to travel the night before an event to avoid potential delays. Fuel costs are another worry, with drivers spending an average of £65.80 per month on fuel.
The impact of delays extends beyond financial losses. The research reveals that delays negatively affect people’s wellbeing (23%), connecting travel arrangements (16%), and timely arrival for medical appointments (14%). For those who commute for work, 22% of journeys cause delays of at least 30 minutes, impacting the start of their workday.
The study concludes that better internet access during train journeys could significantly improve passenger satisfaction. 58% of train users would be more satisfied with their travel if internet connectivity was enhanced, and 55% would perceive their train tickets as better value for money if this was the case.
Andrea Donà, chief network officer at Vodafone UK, emphasizes the importance of the proposed merger with Three UK, stating that without it, the UK could miss out on an £11 billion self-funded infrastructure investment. This investment is crucial for achieving their goal of delivering 5G Standalone to 95% of the population by 2030 and 99% by 2034. This expansion would create a more connected and efficient transportation network for the entire nation.
With the potential for significant economic benefits, improved travel experiences, and enhanced productivity, 5G Standalone holds the key to transforming the UK’s transportation landscape and making commuting a less stressful and more rewarding experience for millions.
