UK Rail: Statistics, Analysis and Comment
Insight Articles: Our Blog
A series of articles analysing and commenting on the passenger transport scene.
Rail patronage has a spring in its step
InterCity and Regional Franchises drive growth, but revenue yields remain depressed
Demand growth in the British rail industry continued in the spring quarter, though the pace of recovery slowed again: non Elizabeth Line passenger numbers were 5.9 per cent higher than the same quarter in 2023, reaching a new post lockdown high. Including traffic on the recently opened line, growth was 7.1 per cent.
- By: Chris Cheek
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Rail demand growth slows over the winter
Booming markets on London concessions flatter national totals
The recovery in demand for rail services in Britain from the Covid pandemic continued into the winter quarter this year, but at the slowest pace since the end of the pandemic. Overall, demand rose to 91.9% of pre-Covid levels, according to National Rail Trends statistics, published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). However, without the Elizabeth Line, the recovery is limited to 81.9%.
- By: Chris Cheek
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Big shifts in London bus use - NTS
Shifts in journey purpose and demographics reinforce radical market change
The latest update to the National Travel Survey from DfT, about which I wrote recently (see National Travel Survey Update), also contains fascinating information about how much bus use in London has changed since the Covid-19 pandemic (see NTS update confirms major shifts in London bus trips).
- By: Chris Cheek
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National Travel Survey Update
New data confirms huge changes in public transport use since the pandemic
The Department for Transport (DfT) has published new data from its National Travel Survey*, combining data from the last six months of the 2022 survey with the first six of 2023. The limited number of tables predates publication of the full 2023 data later in the year. The figures point to a continuing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, but the detail tables show how much things have changed since 2019.
- By: Chris Cheek
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Labour’s bus plans – no more tinkering?
Time and due process could yet prove to be the enemy of Labour's plans for radical reform
Whatever the outcome of the General Election on 4 July, it is increasingly likely that, by 2030, the commanding heights of the UK bus industry will be specified and controlled by the public sector. However, it could be five or even up to 10 years before planned reforms reach the rest of the country - to the detriment of passengers, authorities, operators and investors.
- By: Chris Cheek
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Busy autumn quarter helps demand recovery
40% Elizabeth Line growth helps lift demand above 90% of pre-Covid levels
The recovery in demand for rail services in Britain from the Covid pandemic continued into the autumn of last year, with the pace of growth accelerating a little. Non Elizabeth Line passenger numbers were 17.1% higher than the same quarter in 2022, reaching a new post lockdown high. Including traffic on the new line, growth was 19.9%.
- By: Chris Cheek
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