Eurostar ridership approaches record

LONDON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Eurostar rail ridership is approaching record numbers as more passengers are abandoning air travel to cross the English Channel, say travel experts.

Rising air fares and increasing public interest in "greener" travel options are the most often cited factors along with more and better rail service, reported The Daily Telegraph Saturday

"There is definitely something going on," said Richard Brown, Eurostar's chief executive. "We have seen dramatic growth and anecdotally some passengers are saying that they are now taking the train rather than flying."

A spokesperson for the environmental organization, the Campaign for Better Transport, praised the increasing number of rail riders.

"It's not surprising that more people are traveling to Paris and Brussels by train. It's a greener option because going to Paris by Eurostar produces only a 10th of the carbon emissions produced by flying," the spokesperson said. "It's also more convenient; you won't lose your luggage and government figures show it's actually quicker than short haul flights."