Car hire firm reports surge in enquiries after rail disruptions announced

Car hire provider Sixt reported a surge in enquiries for car rental over the festive period after news broke of a number of disruptions on rail networks due to engineering works and strikes.

Sixt car hire say that enquiries spiked by 72% after news reports started circulating on how underground workers are planning to strike on Boxing Day, and outside of the capital rail tracks would be closed due to engineering work and also rail network staff strikes.

In some cases transport links may be closed from 5pm on Christmas Eve right through until the day after Boxing Day. This widespread disruption is proving a headache for many planning a getaway over Christmas and New Year which is why car hire companies are noticing a surge in bookings and enquiries.

In London, where the tube strikes are likely to cause chaos on Boxing Day, Sixt car hire have estimated an increase in enquiries of 38% compared to the number of enquiries they received for this period last year.

4 x 4 vehicles are proving a popular choice with those booking car hire with Sixt, possibly because customers may need extra space to transport presents if they’re heading away for Christmas, or perhaps to transport extra family members.

Have you been affected by the planned rail disruptions? Are you planning to hire a car over Christmas? Let us know how you’re planning to get away over the festive period and share your experiences.