Surface rail usage surges by 175% in Yorkshire, defying declines in other public transport
Newly released data from the Department for Transport has revealed that, since 2002, surface rail in the Yorkshire and Humber region is the only mode of public transport that has seen an increase in the average number of trips per person per year, while other modes of public transport have experienced a decline.
Altogether, analysis from West Somerset Railway revealed that Yorkshire and the Humber saw a 175% rise in the average number of trips per person, per year on surface rail since 2002. In comparison local buses saw a -62% decrease.
Mode of Public Transport
Percentage Change from 2002-2023
Surface Rail
175%
London Underground
-62%
When looking at the surface rail figures for the rest of England’s regions, Yorkshire and the Humber took the lead massively (175%). North West came second (75%), and south West came third (60%).
Region
Percentage change from 2002 - 2023
Yorkshire and the Humber
175%
North West
75%
South West
60%
West Midlands
33%
East of England
31%
London
16%
North East
0%
East Midlands
0%
Looking at the UK altogether, surface rail was the only mode of public transport that has seen a rise, every other mode of public transport experienced a decline.
Mode of Public Transport
Percentage Change from 2002-2023
Surface Rail
36%
London Underground
-5%
London Buses
-19%
Other Local Buses
-46%
Commenting on the findings, Samantha White from West Somerset Railway said:
“It is fascinating to see that, over time, while other modes of public transport have become less popular, surface rail continues to thrive with a 36% increase in average trips per person per year.
“It is also interesting to note that, at a regional level, while some areas have seen little increase, others have witnessed a rail usage boom, such as Yorkshire and the Humber, with its significant rise.”