Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has launched its 2025 Sustainability Strategy, setting out a bold 10-year plan to make rail travel more inclusive, resilient and low-carbon. The strategy marks a major milestone, with CrossCountry’s science-based targets officially approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets commit the business to cutting direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2*) by 63% by 2035, representing a clear step toward net zero.

Built around three pillars—People, Places and Planet—the strategy is supported by 11 action-focused modules that outline where CrossCountry can make the biggest impact. The People pillar focuses on creating a diverse, inclusive workforce and making rail more accessible to all. Places is aimed at supporting communities through cleaner air, restored habitats and climate-resilient services, while Planet addresses reducing carbon, waste and water use to shrink the environmental footprint of operations.

Jessica Lockwood, CrossCountry’s Environment & Sustainability Manager, said: “This strategy reflects the issues that matter most to our colleagues, customers and stakeholders. Aligning our operations with the latest climate science - while embedding social value and resilience into everything we do - means we’re building a railway that’s fit for the future.”

Thomas Raynor, CrossCountry’s Head of Strategy, added: “Our 2025 Sustainability Strategy is a commitment to long-term change. It’s about making rail the natural choice for greener long-distance travel across Great Britain, while creating lasting value for the communities we serve. This is a strategy built not just for today, but for the next decade and beyond.” CrossCountry says the strategy sets the direction for a decade of meaningful change, reflecting the company’s wider purpose of driving regeneration, inclusion and innovation.

Image: CrossCountry