New FREENOW and GBTA report highlights joint duty of employers and staff to safeguard Business travel ground transport
Ground transport has emerged as a significant safety concern for business travellers, according to a recent study by FREENOW and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
Their joint report, "Maximising Duty of Care: Choosing the Safest ‘Last Mile’ Option for Business Travel", highlights the overlooked risks of ground transport in corporate travel protocols, urging companies to tighten safety practices.
The findings reveal that while 85% of corporate travel programmes incorporate some level of risk management, fewer than half regularly include ground transport in these policies. With ground transport integral to most business journeys, this gap leaves travellers exposed. Although 62% of firms offer safety training for business travel, only about half routinely address ground transport within these sessions. Tracking travellers further underscores this shortfall: while 89% of companies use tracking systems, only a quarter can reliably monitor employees using ground transport services.
In the study, taxis are rated the safest ground transport mode, cited by 50% of travel managers. Rental cars and public transport follow, viewed as safer options by 43% and 26% of respondents, respectively. The report stresses the importance of rigorous vehicle safety checks, partnerships with well-known brands, and the use of drivers with professional taxi or Black Cab licences.
Businesses across Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Ireland often establish formal agreements with ground transport providers, covering taxis, rental cars, and chauffeured services. At least 60% of travellers from each country report such arrangements, which bring streamlined processes, clearer travel policies, and simpler expense management. Notably, nine in 10 business travellers believe these partnerships enhance efficiency and safety.
Daniel Barthuly, Head of Business Travel, FREENOW, said: “Companies must protect their employees by promoting safe ground transport and integrating it into Travel Risk Management (TRM). Around 70% of corporate travel managers rank safety records as a top factor in choosing transport vendors.”
Suzanne Neufang, Chief Executive Officer, GBTA, said: “The research reflects that travel programmes can do more to improve how they manage risk when it comes to ground transportation for their employees.
“Corporate travel managers should partner with trusted ground transportation companies known for their exemplary safety records. Additionally, educating employees on the realities of ground transportation safety is crucial, helping them make informed decisions when navigating their travel options.”
