The inland passenger transport movements in the UK have demonstrated a complex trend over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was a consistent, albeit moderate, year-on-year increase, peaking at 852.74 billion passenger kilometers in 2019. The significant dip in 2020, with a year-on-year decrease of 36.3%, reflected the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sector showed resilience with a strong recovery in 2021 and 2022, with year-on-year increases of 13.2% and 30.34%, respectively. As of 2023, the value stood at 875.56 billion passenger kilometers, showing a 9.25% increase from the previous year, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.89%.
Future trends indicate further growth, with forecasted figures suggesting continued expansion in the coming years. By 2028, the value is expected to reach 930.69 billion passenger kilometers, with a forecasted 5-year CAGR of 0.97% and an overall 5-year growth rate of 4.95%. Key trends to watch include the impact of sustainability initiatives on transport patterns, shifts towards multimodal transport systems, and the ongoing influence of technological advancements in improving passenger transport efficiency and convenience. Additionally, monitoring the potential long-term behavioral changes post-pandemic will be crucial for accurate future forecasting.
