Updated 13.22
More train journeys are being made in Britain than ever before, but the Office of Rail and Road has conceded that the new total of 1.83 billion for the year to March has been inflated to some extent by split ticketing.
In some cases a journey is cheaper if it is bought as two sections, rather than an end-to-end journey, and such a trip will be recorded as two journeys. A trip may also be counted more than once if more than one operator is involved.
The Elizabeth line continues to make a significant contribution, because 257.4 million journeys were recorded in the statistical year to March.
The previously highest figure had been 1.75 billion, which was recorded in 2018-19, but revenue of £12.32 billion has not yet returned to pre-Covid levels, because £13.39 million was earned before the pandemic.
Season ticket journeys have continued to increase since the pandemic, with 234 million journeys made, which was a 4 per cent increase on the previous year, although this is far short of the 588 million before the pandemic, when working from home became normal for millions of employees.
Off peak journeys have also risen in the latest year from 799 million to 844 million – a 6 per cent increase. However, the total fare revenue of £12.32 billion still lags behind the pre-pandemic total of £13.39 billion.
The ORR’s director of planning and performance Graham Richards said: ’It’s great news that more people than ever are using the railway.
‘The Elizabeth line has been a massive boost to rail, but behind the record-breaking usage figures there is a significant shift to how and when we use the rail network. As more people are using the railway it's important to have a relentless focus in ensuring trains are punctual and reliable as possible.’
Railway Industry Association chief executive Darren Caplan said: ‘The news from the ORR that passenger numbers are at record levels is no surprise, and backs up what we at the Railway Industry Association have been saying for several years now, in terms of the post-Covid return to rail. The present DfT figures support the ORR's report too, showing current passenger numbers at around 110 per cent of pre Covid levels including the Elizabeth line, and 100 per cent if not included. We will clearly need more capacity in the future, and plan for consistently growing numbers of rail users, both passengers and freight.
‘The revenue figures are also very encouraging. The current figures are now just 8% short of pre-Covid levels and coming back more strongly than many said they would during and in the aftermath of the pandemic. With a commitment to good customer services both now and under future GBR, we can expect revenues to surpass previously high record levels in just a couple of years.
‘So the overall message is clear. Let’s be positive about rail’s future and, working with rail reform, build and enhance the railway network so that rail customers – passengers and freight – get the connectivity they need.’
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