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New 20% discount with Virgin East Coast trains

The University of Edinburgh, in partnership with Key Travel, have agreed a 20% discount on Virgin East Coast train travel between Edinburgh and London. [Deal no longer available, archive news item for reference only]

Please note this trial has now ended

This deal is now live and Key Travel will be able to provide you with the discount. If you have any questions please contact Chris Litwiniuk for more information.

The University of Edinburgh’s Procurement Office has negotiated a 20% discount on the Scottish Executive ticket to London, making train travel an even better option. To use the deal, simply book your ticket via our travel supplier, Key Travel.

This is a fantastic value ticket, with free upgrade to first class and a Zone 1 / 2 underground journey. This is also a far more time effective and sustainable way to travel over air and helps support the University of Edinburgh in reducing its overall CO2 emissions in business travel.

Gordon WhittakerUniversity of Edinburgh Procurement manager

Benefits

  • Fully flexible Standard Class travel.
  • Complimentary upgrade to First Class on both legs of the journey at no extra cost. 
  • Complimentary food and beverages on both the outbound and return leg of the journey if the upgrade to First Class is used.
  • Complimentary Zone 1 / 2 return underground journey for journeys originating in Edinburgh. 
  • Use of First Class lounges. 
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in First Class seats.
  • Product is also fully refundable in the event of cancellation.

 

Flights to London accounted for 56% of the University’s total air travel in 2014 – 2015, or 70% of domestic flights. Taking the train instead of flying to London, could save around 0.5% of total University emissions. Travelling more sustainably makes the largest impact an individual can have on their carbon emissions in the workplace.

Contrary to the common perception, University of Edinburgh expenses data shows that train journeys were significantly cheaper than air in the last 3 years.

 

Air travel statistics

Train emissions (CO2 e) are 83% less than planes per passenger, per km. Total journey costs were at least 39% lower 2012-2015.

 

Key Travel Document:

Edinburgh University Scottish Executive Proposal January 2016 (326.6 KB PDF)

 

This trial is no longer running and the deal is no longer available.

 

For more information contact Chris Litwiniuk.

Chris Litwiniuk

Engagement Manager

Contact details

Availability

  • After completing an MSc in Energy and Environmental Management, Chris joined the University in 2013, initially as an intern in the Waste Team, then moving to the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability to work on programmes related to energy, travel and supply chains.

    He coordinates the Engagement Team, working on projects to implement different sustainability initiatives across the University, and also oversees applications to the Sustainable Campus Fund.

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