18 October 2023
The National Infrastructure Assessment, published today, is clear that even though there has been some change in travel demand patterns, following the pandemic “the largest cities are likely to require more capacity on their public transport networks to support economic growth over the next 20 to 30 years.”
The DfT has also published new data this week which highlights passenger numbers are now close to averaging 100% of pre-Covid levels for the last six month period. DfT statistics show that national passenger levels – including the successful Elizabeth line and excluding the impact of rail strikes for April-September 2023 – has seen an average 98% of pre Covid levels.
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association, said, “These latest figures from the DfT make a mockery of the recent assertion that we don’t need more rail capacity with schemes like HS2 Phase 2 from Birmingham to Manchester. Indeed, passenger numbers today are more than 15% higher than when the business case for the full HS2 scheme was made and accepted in 2012.
“We are getting clear and sustained evidence this year that people have returned to rail in very healthy numbers post pandemic, with every likelihood this will continue to grow in the years ahead. About a third of the Elizabeth line passengers are new to rail demonstrating that if you provide a high-quality railway service people will use it. The National Infrastructure Assessment published today also supports the view that demand for urban public transport in the future will grow, with more capacity required to accommodate that growth.
“We urge politicians of all parties not to accept the excessively negative messages from some parts of the Government that UK rail is in decline. Rather, there needs to be more investment in major national transport infrastructure schemes not less, to deliver the capacity we’re going to need in the years ahead.”