Scottish commuters could gain almost four extra days of 'me time' every year by swapping the car for the train, new research suggests.
Rail passengers make journeys count
A study of 1,000 Scottish commuters found rail passengers are using their journeys to get ahead at work, tackle life admin, relax and even learn new skills.
By contrast, drivers are spending around 91 hours a year stuck in traffic, held up by roadworks, refuelling and searching for parking spaces. That's nearly four days which could otherwise be spent doing something more productive or enjoyable.
Almost two thirds of rail users (63%) said their journey gives them valuable time to prepare for the day ahead or unwind before getting home.
Reading, admin and learning on board
Reading proved particularly popular, with 35 per cent of passengers saying they use their commute to pick up a book. Around 30 per cent use the time to tackle life admin, while 28 per cent get ahead with work.
Others said they catch up on TV (23%), while five per cent even use their train journey to knit. Around 14 per cent of ScotRail passengers are also using their commute to learn a new skill or study.
To showcase some of the more unusual ways passengers can use their journey, ScotRail has teamed up with three regular commuters to demonstrate how train travel can provide time for hobbies and everyday tasks.
Crochet, meal planning and budget planners
Among them is Barras Market-based maker Jeano Beano, who has created a crochet video showing passengers how they can use their commute to make fun creations, including a cuddly frog.
Jean said: "There's no better time to try something new than during your commute. Crocheting is a wonderful way to relax, clear your mind and switch off from the stresses of everyday life and travelling on a ScotRail train gives you the perfect opportunity to get creative."
She added: "Crochet is easy to pick up, and passengers can quickly learn the basics while making the most of their journey.
"I'm looking forward to showing people how simple and enjoyable it can be and hopefully inspiring them to discover a new hobby they can enjoy on their own commute."
Nutritionist and high-protein recipe creator Scott Baptie is using his commute to plan his weekly meals, while influencer and single mum Rona, known online as Making Our Cute Life, uses her train journeys to create budget planners.
Drivers face 91 hours of delays
The research found a very different picture for those behind the wheel. Drivers reported spending an average of 10 minutes sitting in traffic during each commute, alongside nine minutes delayed by roadworks and another five minutes stopping to refuel.
Over the course of a year, that adds up to around 91 hours spent navigating delays and dealing with the demands of driving.
When asked what matters most when choosing how to travel, Scots ranked convenience highest at 51 per cent, followed by cost at 43 per cent, and reliability at 43 per cent.
Around 30 per cent said their ideal commute would allow them to complete life admin, while 42 per cent of rail passengers said they valued having the opportunity to relax before the demands of the day began.
ScotRail Commercial Director Claire Dickie said: "Our research shows commuting has become so much more than getting from A to B.
"People want their journey to be time they can genuinely use, whether that's catching up on work, organising their day, completing life admin, learning something new, or simply taking a moment to switch off."
She added: "When you're driving, your focus has to be on the road. Travelling by train gives customers the freedom to make that time their own, turning what might otherwise be lost time into something genuinely useful or enjoyable – resulting in a Journey Well Spent."
