Turo survey suggests strikes have disrupted Londoners’ Christmas plans in the last two years

Turo, the peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace conducted a nationally representative survey of 2,000 people between 7 and 10 November, 2023, with Opinium, that found that of those surveyed:

• Over a third of Londoners, including 56% of 18-34 year-olds, rely on trains for Christmas plans
• As Aslef announces fresh strikes, 43% of train users say they will be angry if strike action impacts their Christmas plans and 25% say they will feel anxious.
• Just under a third of Londoners have had their Christmas plans disrupted due to strikes in the last two years, rising to two in five among young people

Thousands could have their Christmas plans disrupted as over a third of Londoners (35%) rely on trains for travel during the festive season, rising to 56% among 18-34 year olds.

As Aslef announced fresh rail strikes this December, the nationally representative poll of 2,000 adults found that the decision is unlikely to be welcomed by the public, with 43% of London train users saying they will be angry if strike action impacts their Christmas plans, and 25% saying they will feel anxious.

The survey found that just under a third (32%) of Londoners have already had their Christmas plans disrupted due to industrial action over the last two years. Young people have been particularly impacted, with two in five (40%) saying the same.

For those Londoners who are travelling by train, 41% said that the general inconvenience is one of the things that would upset them most about strike action, followed by more than a third (39%) saying it would be the cost of finding alternative means of travel.

Turo was established to challenge skyrocketing rental prices, but as consumers face continual strikes, the platform has offered people a solution for both personal and professional travel, offering both selection and convenience for its users.

With Covid having interrupted Christmas significantly in recent years, 26% of Londoners say that 2019 or earlier was the last time they had a “normal” Christmas.

Xavier Collins, Turo’s Vice President & Head of UK said: “After years of Christmas disruption, it’s no surprise that Brits are feeling angry and resigned to more strikes this winter. However, there are convenient alternatives, which mean we don’t have to cancel Christmas plans altogether. Platforms like Turo offer a range of vehicles that are easy to book, low cost and can get people to their festive plans on time.”