What is Train It Chooseday?

Train It Chooseday is an annual event orchestrated by West Midlands Railway, designed to revolutionize the way individuals think about their daily commute. Falling on the third Tuesday of March, this initiative encourages commuters to forego their usual car journeys in favor of train travel. The initiative debuted in Birmingham, offering a week of complimentary train rides from March 20th to 24th, 2023. Train It Chooseday advocates for the myriad benefits of opting for the railway, including environmental sustainability, cost savings, and enhanced well-being through less stressful travel experiences.

History and Origin

Conceived by West Midlands Railway, Train It Chooseday emerged from a growing recognition of the need to promote more eco-friendly and efficient commuting practices. With urban areas facing increasing traffic congestion, air pollution, and the rising costs of car ownership, the initiative aims to present train travel as a viable and preferable alternative. The selection of a specific week for free travel is intended to provide commuters a hands-on experience of the advantages train commuting offers, encouraging a long-term shift in behavior and perceptions.

Who Celebrates Train It Chooseday?

• Everyday Commuters: Individuals seeking a respite from the daily grind of traffic jams and looking for a more relaxed journey to and from work.
• Environmental Advocates: People passionate about reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener planet by choosing public transport.
• Budget-conscious Individuals: Those keen to cut down on commuting expenses, including fuel, parking, and car maintenance.
• Community-Oriented Citizens: Residents of Birmingham and the surrounding West Midlands area interested in fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for the local environment and infrastructure.
• Public Transport Enthusiasts: Advocates of train travel who appreciate the reliability, speed, and convenience that come with using public transportation.

Slogans and Themes

Themes of sustainability, community, and innovation run deep in the Train It Chooseday campaign. Slogans like “Switch Tracks, Save the Planet” and “Commute Smarter, Live Better” encapsulate the initiative’s goals. These themes and slogans are designed to inspire a collective movement towards more sustainable commuting practices, emphasizing the positive impact individual choices can have on the broader community and environment.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

• Colors: Green, to symbolize sustainability and environmental consciousness, along with the traditional colors of West Midlands Railway.
• Symbols: Trains and railway tracks are used as primary symbols, representing the journey towards smarter commuting choices.
• Patterns: Images and graphics featuring interconnected lines and networks illustrate the extensive and accessible nature of train travel.

Most Used Hashtags

• #TrainItChooseday
• #SustainableCommute
• #WestMidlandsRailway
• #SwitchToTrain
• #GreenerTravel

How to Celebrate

• Partake in Free Travel: Take advantage of the week-long free train travel offer to experience firsthand the benefits of commuting by train.
• Spread the Word: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to participate in Train It Chooseday, sharing experiences and insights on social media.
• Reflect on Commuting Habits: Use Train It Chooseday as an opportunity to reassess personal commuting choices and consider making train travel a regular part of your routine.
• Engage with Community Events: Participate in or organize community events centered around Train It Chooseday to foster a greater sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

Train It Chooseday is more than just a campaign for free train travel; it’s a movement towards reimagining the future of commuting. By choosing the train, commuters not only contribute to a more sustainable world but also embrace a lifestyle change that offers peace of mind, efficiency, and a step towards a more connected and environmentally conscious community.