25.04.14
Passenger journeys double since 1990s to 1.2bn a year – ORR
The number of rail passenger journeys across Great Britain in a single year has more than doubled since the mid-1990s, according to new figures from the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).
Data from its 'Regional Usage Profiles' statistical release revealed that the total number of rail passenger journeys across England, Scotland and Wales increased by 3.3% over the past year to 1.27bn – more than double the number of journeys in 1995-96 (590 million).
Additionally, journeys between different regions increased by 2.7% to 421.2 million in 2012-13, largely driven by a 2.8% increase in journeys to and from London.
At the same time, Scotland saw a 2.9% increase in the number of journeys involving stations in the country, whilst Wales saw a 1.1% jump.
Martin Abrams, of the Campaign for Better Transport, welcomed the “remarkable” figures but said: “We need our railways to support all parts of the country.
“That means stopping fares rising faster than wages, investing in those areas which are under-performing and giving local bodies more control over decision-making to make sure spending goes to the right places.”
A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group said that an industry focused on attracting more passengers and freight, combined with a commitment by successive governments to invest over the long term, is generating “phenomenal growth”.
Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, told RTM: “This increase in the number of train journeys is good news as it demonstrates the success of Britain’s railway. However, it shows that significant investment in the railway must be continued in order to build on this success and also reduce overcrowding.”
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