Transport for Wales records biggest year-on-year increase in passenger numbers

Transport for Wales recorded the biggest jump in passenger numbers out of any UK train operator in spring 2024. 

A total of 7.6 million journeys were made on TfW services between April and June, a 27% increase on the 6 million made in the same period last year. 

The reopening of the Treherbert line in February contributed approximately 316,000 journeys to that total, with additional services on the Wrexham to Bidston line and brand-new services between Ebbw Vale and Newport also contributing factors. 

TfW has also said that the introduction of more of its brand new trains has also helped boost passenger numbers, with 57 in service by April 2024 compared to 26 the year before, along with extending Pay As You Go in south east Wales and cheaper Advance fares across its network. 

Lines singled out for strong growth include: 

• Chester-Manchester/Liverpool - just under 11% of total volume growth  
• Cardiff-Merthyr - just over 10% of total volume growth  
• Chester-Birmingham International - just under 10% of total volume growth  
• Cardiff-Swansea - just under 8% of total volume growth  
• Crewe-Holyhead - just under 6% of total volume growth 

Concerts in Cardiff by acts such as Bruce Springsteen, Pink, Foo Fighters and Taylor Swift in May and June have contributed to a boost in passenger numbers on services to the Welsh capital. 

Chief Executive Officer James Price said: “If you look at the numbers, we’re seeing a rise in lots of different communities, not just one or two areas.  

“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 £800 million 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.”