Passenger numbers continue to rise

Rail passenger numbers for the 12 months ending January 2015 rose by 4.5% compared with the previous 12-month period, according to the latest figures released by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) on January 28.

The number of passengers increased from 1,586.5 billion to 1,653.7 billion. This compares with 761.2 million journeys made in 1995-1996, when the railway was privatised.

All regions reported an increase in journeys to/from that region. The highest percentage growth was recorded in Scotland, which climbed 8.7% with the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games deemed a considerable factor. ORR states that the warmer summer and milder autumn may also have been a factor in people travelling to coastal regions. 

• For more on this, read RAIL 794, published on February 17.