Rail Partners responds to latest ORR data on passenger rail usage
Commenting on ORR’s rail passenger usage statistics for July to September 2023, a spokesperson said:
Rising passenger numbers are a positive sign for the sector but passengers are still using the train less than before the pandemic. In order to ensure the long term sustainability of the railway, operators need commercial freedoms to allow them to do more to encourage passengers to choose the train over other more carbon intensive modes. This will in turn grow revenues, reduce taxpayer support and encourage further modal shift.
Notes to editors
- The latest Passenger rail usage stats are available on ORR’s website here: https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/usage/passenger-rail-usage/
- Passenger journeys have risen by 14% year on year for July to September, compared to the same quarter in the previous year – but remain at 89% of pre-pandemic levels
- Rail Partners’ report, Track to Growth, sets out how private operators helped turn around railway finances prior to the pandemic. Read more here: https://railpartners.co.uk/our-work/publications/track-to-growth
About Rail Partners
Rail Partners exists to make the railway better by harnessing the expertise and creativity of private sector operators for the benefit of those who use the railway, passengers and freight customers, and those who pay for it, including taxpayers.
Rail Partners provides advocacy and policy solutions for its private sector passenger owning group and freight company members. Rail Partners additionally provides technical services to train operating companies in both the public and private sectors.