Railway industry welcomes 80% milestone on passenger numbers
The Railway Industry Association (RIA), the voice of the UK rail supply community, has responded to the Department for Transport's (DfT) latest statistics on rail travel in Great Britain.
RIA welcomed the fact that on 18 March 2022 national rail passengers reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels - the highest since 15 March 2020 - with figures remaining around that level during the fortnight from 7 March.
Kate Jennings, Policy Director at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), commented: “Today’s statistics are hugely positive for the railway industry. To have around 80% of pre-covid passenger levels during the middle of this month, only a matter of weeks after the end of Coronavirus restrictions, shows that passengers are returning in good numbers. These statistics are especially strong over the weekends, which is a clear vote of confidence in using rail for leisure travel.
“Taking the train is a safe and sustainable way to travel, helping connect communities and driving economic growth right around the UK. We hope to see these numbers continue to rise in the months and years ahead.”
