Rail journeys highest since 1959

Thursday, 30 December 2004 12:00 AM

Rail passenger journeys have reached their highest number since 1959, according to new figures from the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC).

Journeys are up four per cent on 2003 - itself a record year - with the figure topping one billion for only the second time in over 40 years.

Regional rail enjoyed the biggest rise in the last twelve months, up by 7.8 per cent, while long distance journeys increased by 4.1 per cent and journeys in London and the South East increased by 2.6 per cent.

ATOC director general George Muir said: "More people than ever are voting with their feet and traveling by train, which is good news for the environment.

"With nearly 1,400 new trains introduced this year alone and an additional 320 new timetabled services running in the new annual timetable, rail travel is attracting more passengers than in the late 1950's when we had a much bigger rail network. It also means we have the fastest-growing railway in Europe."

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling added: "The railways are now carrying more people than at any time since 1959. The changes we are putting in place together with increasing investment are essential if we are all to see even more improvement in services in the future."

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