Transport delays are costing the economy and making Brits miserable

UK travellers are wasting nearly three days a year due to train and traffic delays, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.

The study found that 51% wish they could use public transport more often but are concerned about potential delays.

This research comes as new modelling for Vodafone UK by WPI Strategy shows how nationwide 5G Standalone (SA) could transform road and rail journeys by reducing delays and improving traffic management.

The model predicts that train users could save 26 million hours a year thanks to more reliable journeys enabled by 5G SA - saving rail companies £10 million in delay compensation.

The model suggests drivers could save £2 billion on fuel a year - putting £139.50 back into the pockets of regular road users. While train users could get to work on time and be more productive on longer journeys.

Andrea Dona, chief network officer at Vodafone UK, which commissioned the study, said: "We know how frustrating delayed trains, inconsistent connectivity, and gridlock traffic can be for commuters."

"But the future can be much brighter for connectivity on the UK's roads and railways thanks to 5G Standalone which has the power to unlock £3 billion for the UK economy and help everyone move around the country with ease."

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New research suggests that costly fares and unreliable services deter 60% from rail travel, while 29% lament its unreliability. A staggering 73% are vexed that the UK lags behind other countries offering reliable and economical transportation.

The typical commuter reportedly works a smidge over three hours on the train each month, but half of them feel disgruntled by subpar internet derailing their productivity.

Despite 19% of people keen on using travel time for work instead of driving, they find it impractical. According to Vodafone's calculations, if commuters could squeeze in an extra productive hour on the train each month, it could spell an extra £1 billion for the economy.

On the road, 39% dread traffic, leading 32% to set off the night before important events to dodge traffic woes. The OnePoll.com study has revealed that wasted hours due to travel disruptions take a toll on folks' mental health (23%.

Workers travelling by train say 22% of their trips result in them starting their workday at least half an hour late. An impressive 58% of rail passengers reckon they'd be happier with their service if it offered better web connectivity on the go.

Andrea Dona chimed in saying, "Without our proposed merger with Three UK, the UK could miss out on an £11 billion self-funded infrastructure investment to deliver our goal of 5G Standalone to 95 per cent of the population by 2030, and 99 per cent of the UK population by 2034."