Transport for Wales recorded the largest jump in passenger numbers out of any UK train operator during spring 2024.
Numbers were up by 27% for the period between April and June this year compared to the same time last year – up to 7.6 million journeys from six million.
Multiple factors
TfW puts the spike down to a variety of reasons, including the introduction of new trains. In April 2023, the operator had introduced 26 new trains to the network – a year later, this number was 57.
Compared to the 2023 April-June period, TfW saw an 8.1% improvement regarding service punctuality as well as a 3.2% reduction in cancellations. In fact, Office of Rail and Road data indicates that TfW was the most improved operator in terms of reliability and cancellations from April to June 2024.
Moreover, leaders at TfW estimate that the reopening of the Treherbert line in February this year contributed to around 316,000 journeys – this was a similar story with new services from Ebbw Vale to Newport and extra services on the Wrexham to Bidston line.
Some of the lines with the strongest growth include:
- Chester to Manchester/Liverpool – just under 11% of total volume growth
- Cardiff to Merthyr – just over 10% of total volume growth
- Chester to Birmingham Int – just under 10% of total volume growth
- Cardiff to Swansea – just under 8% of total volume growth
- Crewe to Holyhead – just under 6% of total volume growth
Making Welsh transport the best it can be
“If you look at the numbers, we’re seeing a rise in lots of different communities, not just one or two areas,” said James Price, TfW CEO.
He added: “That’s down to the hard work of so many people to deliver a consistent and reliable service. We’ve also introduced a large number of brand-new trains as our £800m commitment to upgrading our fleet continues.
“We’re doing what it takes to make the Welsh transport network the best it can be, and it’s encouraging to see more and more people using it for their everyday lives.”
Transport Focus research also shows that passenger satisfaction is at an all-time high for TfW at 88%.
Image credit: Transport for Wales
