Train methodology
DEFRA
UK Government conversion factors
UK Government factors per passenger-km for national rail, international rail, light rail and tram, and the London Underground.
- Publisher
- UK Government (DESNZ)
- Best for
- Rail travel in the UK and UK-based reporting
- Result
- One total per trip, for all travellers
- Energy scope
- WTW by default, TTW optional
- Factor year
- Selectable; latest supported year by default
How it works
- International rail is based on Eurostar. Light rail and tram share one UK factor, and underground uses the London Underground factor.
- There is no diesel or electric choice: the UK publishes one factor per category.
Trip details used
When a detail is missing, SQUAKE uses the default.
| Detail | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Origin and destination | Required without a distance | Stations or addresses. |
| Rail distance | Calculated from the route | Replaces the route-based distance. |
| Rail category | National rail | National, international, light rail, tram or underground. |
| Number of travellers | 1 |
What is included
Included
- Fuel and electricity used by trains
- Producing and delivering that energy (on by default)
Not included
- Building and maintaining trains and infrastructure
Limitations
- One national average per rail category.
- Factors can change between factor years.
Sources
- UK Government: conversion factors for company reportinggov.uk
Every annual factor set, with its methodology paper.