Rail ‘creates more jobs than road transport’

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An interesting article from RailNews UK.

Rail ‘creates more jobs than road transport’

MORE jobs would be created
by reducing car use and encouraging a switch to rail travel, according to a new report.

The findings. commissioned by pteg, the Campaign for Better Transport and Sustrans from researchers Ekosgen, show that 100 direct rail jobs support 140 A?ai??i??E?indirect and inducedA?ai??i??ai??? jobs, while 100 direct motor industry jobs support only 48 other jobs.

The conclusion is also supported by evidence from the United States that investing in public transport creates twice as many jobsAi??Ai??than investing in roads.

The report goes on to say: A?ai??i??E?It is widely accepted that sustainable transport is at the heart of tackling congestion, in delivering important internationalAi??Ai?? commitments on climate change and bringing about the change to a low carbon economy.Ai??Ai?? In addition this research firmlyAi??Ai??demonstrates that the sustainable transport sector also employs significant numbers of people (estimated at almost half a millionAi??Ai??jobs) which can make an important contribution to the economic recovery and growth.A?ai??i??ai???

Stephen Joseph,Ai??Ai??who is the director of the Campaign for Better Transport, said:Ai??Ai??A?ai??i??E?This report clearly shows for the first time that sustainable transport industries are major employers and are in fact on some measures moreAi??Ai?? important to the overall economy than the motor industry. Investment in sustainable transport can support the low carbon industries theAi??Ai?? Government says it wants to encourage.Ai??Ai??In deciding its spending priorities, the Government must learn the lessons from other countries,Ai??Ai??where consistent long term investment in rail and bus has supported domestic manufacturing industries providing skilled jobs.A?ai??i??ai???

http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/general/2010/07/19-rail-creates-more-jobs-than.html