The latest Office of Rail and Road (ORR) statistics reveal that total rail passenger revenue, adjusted for inflation, was up 11% (£284 million) in July – September (Q2 2024-25), compared with the same period last year.
Commuting saw the highest levels of revenue growth, increasing by 12% year-on-year. Commuting has witnessed a notable recovery post pandemic. In fact, when specifically comparing July to September this year to the same period in 2019, pre-coronavirus pandemic, commuting is up to 89% of revenue levels. This comparison has been made using figures that are adjusted for inflation and do not include journeys made within London.*
During the same period in 2023 there were seven days of industrial action, with analysis by the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) showing an estimated loss in revenue of £96m.** To put this figure in perspective, we estimate the year-on-year growth figure would have dropped from 11% to 7%, had the industrial action not happened. Q2 of this financial year (2024-25), saw no industrial action. We know that passengers value reliability and getting to their destination on time and that disruption to a regular and consistent service effects both passenger confidence and satisfaction.
GBRTT’s Customer and Revenue Growth Director Suzanne Donnelly said: “It’s encouraging to see the revenue growth in commuting, which supports the post-pandemic recovery in this sector. The quarter seeing no industrial action has also protected revenue growth.
“We hope the consistent growth across all journey purposes will continue as the industry works to rebuild passenger trust.”
Image credit: iStockphoto.com/funky-data
