Surface rail usage surges by 175% in Yorkshire, defying declines in other public transport

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.”