Double the amount of rail passengers and freight predicted by 2035

Industry steering group release document looking at long-term planning for the rail industry.

A new document has predicted a doubling of passengers and freight by 2035.

Planing Ahead, is prepared by an industry steering group, led by Network Rail, the Association of Train Operating Companies and the Rail Freight Operators' Association.

Over the next 25 years the London commuter market is likely to see growth of up to 35 per cent and regional urban commuting, to cities such as Birmingham and Manchester, is expected to see growth of over 100 per cent, with growth on some route predicted to be in excess of 115 per cent.

Rail freight is similarly predicted to double demand to 45 billion tonnes kilometres of goods moved by 2030.

Alec McTavish, director of policy and operations at the Association of Train Operating Companies said: "Rail makes a vital contribution to the UK economy, supporting jobs, businesses and helping millions of people to get round the country quickly and easily every day."



"As our proposals on franchise reform have shown, allowing Network Rail and operators greater freedom to determine the most efficient way of delivering for passengers and making Britain’s railway more financially self-sufficient would be to the benefit of the nation as a whole."

Further information:
Network Rail