UK Rail: Statistics, Analysis and Comment
Insight Articles: Our Blog
A series of articles analysing and commenting on the passenger transport scene.
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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Revenue growth of 27% drives subsidy bill down to £4bn
Rail finance figures highlight improvements, but full recovery still a long way off
The passenger rail industry’s finances took a turn for the better in 2022/23, according to figures published recently by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). However, there was still a deficit on the passenger business of some £4.2 billion, which had to be met by the taxpayers.
- By: Chris Cheek
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Demand recovery slows in spring quarter
Revenue shortfall widens as yields fall and advance tickets boom
The recovery in demand for rail services in Britain from the Covid pandemic continued into the spring, but the pace of growth slowed with passenger numbers 19.1% higher than the same quarter in 2022, reaching a new post lockdown high. However, rapid growth in numbers using the new Elizabeth Line distorted the figures: growth on the rest of the network was a more modest 10.9%.
- By: Chris Cheek
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