Train use drops across the region

In the latest statistics published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), train use across Yorkshire and the Humber is down by 1.3m.

Figures for the 18/19 financial year show the potential impact of the commuter chaos which ensued following with the launch of new time tables.

The results by ORR show that, York and Sheffield have seen a growth in passenger numbers over the last 12 months. With both stations maintaining their positions as 43rd and 44th busiest stations nationally.

Leeds remains 12th in the league table but has seen a decrease in passenger entries and exits – down by over 269,000. Despite this, the station remains the busiest in the North of England, with 30,838,554 entries and exits recorded over the year.

Credit: ORR

Leeds’ loss of passenger numbers is mirrored across the wider region. Huddersfield station recorded a decrease in entries and exits of over 203,000; with Bradford stations ( Interchange and Forster Square) down by 191,574 collectively and Hull down by 137,192.

The numbers for Sheffield and York however show a positive trajectory for both cities with regards to rail use. York in particular has seen its passenger numbers increase from 7.2m in 2010/11 to 10.0m in 2018/19.

The increase in rail users for York will be good news city council members who are working on plans to ban private car journeys from the city centre. The programme aims to stop all non-essential private car journeys inside York’s city walls by 2023

Other success stories for the region are Kirkstall Forge which saw an increase of over 82,000 entries and exits over the year. The increase to 232,400 passengers was commented on by Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Lead, who said:

“Against the backdrop of regional disparities in funding, these figures highlight the strong return that can be secured through investment in the North of England transport network