A 'railhead' is a terminus of a
railway line that interfaces with another
transport mode, such as
shipping.
In the
UK, 'railheading' refers to the practice of travelling further than necessary to reach a rail service, typically by car. The phenomenon is common among
commuters seeking a more convenient journey. There are a number of reasons why passengers railhead:
★ Discounted fares may be available on another part of the route, but not from their local station - passengers may drive further to benefit from the discount.
[1]
★ Where the local station is served less frequently, passengers may drive to a station with a more frequent service. This is often the case on
branch lines or at stations where most trains pass through rather than stopping.
References
1. Report to the Executive for Decision, pp3-4