Welcome to our seventh sustainable travel roundup, created in collaboration with Flight Free UK, where we will share some of the most recent updates, news, and developments shaping the future of eco-friendly travel.
This month's stories highlight how one of Salford's busiest roads is set to be revamped for pedestrians and cyclists, the steam train that could power the future, and the travel project in Devon encouraging people to get active.
Football fans participate in Greener game walk
Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) and the club’s partners are joining forces for this year’s Greener Games at The Valley. As part of this initiative, they are hosting the Greener Game Walk to encourage people to engage in active travel by walking to the stadium.
The Greener Game themed matchday for the men’s team against Stevenage took place on February 8th and the women’s first-team’s Greener Game themed matchday will take place on Sunday March 23rd when they will play Birmingham City.
Charlton Chief Executive Charlie Methven said: "A key part of our vision for the club is for us to become more sustainable both financially and also environmentally.”
Find out more on the Charlton Athletic website.
SNCF tests innovative solar panels on train tracks
SNCF is testing solar panels on unused train tracks to explore new energy solutions. Engineers placed eight solar panels at Achères to evaluate performance and reliability over six months.
These solar panels are portable and can be easily installed and relocated along tracks. Currently, the system powers internal railway operations and supports limited local energy needs.
Find out more on the Railway Supply website.
Electric cargo bike delivery scheme extended
A partnership that offers electric cargo bike deliveries for businesses is being extended for a further year. The project offers businesses same or next-day zero-emission deliveries by electric cargo-bike to destinations within the city's ring road.
Oxford City Council initially launched the scheme with Velocity Cycle Couriers in March 2024. An initial 12-week trial was twice extended, with the scheme now running until at least February 2026 after the council approved a further extension.
Find out more on the BBC news website.
The Baltic Express: Central Europe's new hop-on hop-off train
The recently launched train route from Prague to Gdynia on Poland's Baltic coast operates four times daily, and takes travellers directly into Central Europe's vibrant cities and towns that were previously tricky to get to such as Pardubice, Kłodzko, and Leszno. It will hopefully lure international travellers who want to combine a city break with a rural experience, followed by a holiday on the beach.
Find out more on the BBC website.
Busy road's revamp for cyclists and pedestrians
One of Salford's busiest roads is set to be revamped to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. A section of Chapel Street, between New Bailey Street and Blackfriars, will be redeveloped under Salford City Council's plans to boost walking and cycling routes around the city.
The authority said the work would "rebalance the space in favour of pedestrians and cyclists" alongside the existing traffic. They also want to give residents more choices for getting around Salford without having to rely on driving everywhere, with work planned to start in April and end in February 2026.
Find out more on the BBC website.
Renfe’s Spain-France train service reaches huge milestone
Renfe’s international high-speed AVE service between Spain and France has surpassed one million passengers since its launch in the summer of 2023. The milestone marks a significant success for the Spanish railway operator as it continues expanding its cross-border services.
Renfe’s AVE trains currently operate on two key international routes: one linking Lyon with Barcelona and the other connecting Marseille with Madrid. The Marseille-Madrid corridor accounts for 60 per cent of total demand, while the most popular point-to-point journey is Lyon-Barcelona, followed by Barcelona-Montpellier and Lyon-Montpellier.
Find out more on Euro Weekly News.
Travel project aims to get people active
People in part of Devon are being encouraged to leave their cars at home and use other modes of transport throughout March. Plymouth City Council and cycling and walking charity Sustrans launched the Big Plymouth Travel Challenge which asks people to log their journeys in the city using an online tool.
The scheme runs for the whole of the month and urges people to walk, cycle, skateboard or scooter to carry out their journeys. The council and charity said the project aimed to boost people's health and wellbeing by getting them to be more active while also helping the environment.
Find out more on the BBC website.
St Pancras and Channel tunnel plan rail routes to Germany and Switzerland
St Pancras railway station in London and the Channel tunnel operator have agreed to work together to open up more trains from Britain to France, and routes to Germany and Switzerland.
The agreement is the latest sign of growing momentum for new passenger rail links from England across the Channel, after Great Britain’s only international station announced plans to triple the number of people who can travel through every hour.
Find out more on The Guardian website.
The steam train that could power the future
A train which is powered purely on hydrogen is now undergoing tests with those involved hoping it could help move the industry away from fossil fuels. The former Thameslink locomotive has been converted in Warwickshire and now only produces water as an emission. The company behind the project hopes the train could be a cheaper alternative for railway lines which cannot be electrified.
Find out more on the BBC website.
Metro project to 'change face of Newquay'
A £50m project improving rail services to Newquay will "change the face" of the town, Network Rail has said. The latest phase of work on the Mid-Cornwall Project has started with 400m of new track being laid at Goss Moor to form a "passing loop".
A new platform and track have already been created at Newquay station to allow an hourly train between the town and Par instead of the current two-hourly service. The rail firm hoped extra trains would start running this autumn - with direct services between Newquay and Falmouth following next year.
Find out more on the BBC website.
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By Eveline Vouillemin ©
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