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Chapter 8 (pages 122-141): Britain's Railways the next 100 years (2009-2109)(excerpt)

The view from 2109

The shape of travel in Britain Great Britain's population is 90 million in 2109, comprising the English, Welsh and Scottish nations. There was no prospect of a general urbanization of the bulk of Britain's countryside during the preceding century. The result has been higher population densities within existing built up areas and some new freestanding towns. There were urban extensions to existing cities and towns, as well as completion of planned growth areas.

Pressures on public transport are greatly increased, because of population growth and sustainability initiatives including continuing action against use of fossil fuels. Also people live longer and have more leisure time. GDP growth has been de-linked from car and lorry mileage. While electric and hydrogen-powered car travel is still the dominant passenger mode in the 10-120 km journey range, overall total usage of public transport has increased from 7.5 billion boardings yearly towards 30 billion-a four-fold growth during the 21st century. Cycles and powered two-wheelers are widely used for local journeys. There is greater allocation of road space for these users, and railway stations have plenty of parking capacity for them.

(Full Chapter)