29.04.13
Railcards and advance fares boost market share
Rail’s market share of 10 of the most popular domestic air routes in Britain has risen to 46% in the last year, up from 29% in 2006, according to new data from ATOC.
The use of Railcard has risen by 93%, with senior Railcards up 145%, disabled person’s Railcards increasing by 140% and use of young people’s Railcards 88% higher.
Sales of cheap advance fares rose by 103% since 2006, and purchases of full price anytime fares reduced by over a third.
The increase in rail demand can also be attributed to investment and improvement to services, ATOC said. Since privatisation the number of services running across the network every day have risen by 20% and passenger satisfaction has increased from 76% in 1999 to 85% today, according to Passenger Focus.
Michael Roberts, chief executive of ATOC, said: “Train companies have been winning market share from airlines by competing head to head and adopting airline-style discounting.
“Significant investment and an industry focused on attracting passengers are creating a virtuous circle where growing revenue is sustaining funding for faster and better services, in turn encouraging more rail travel.”
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