By 2024, UK railway passenger traffic is forecasted to reach 1.9916 billion units. This represents a recovery and growth from 2023, where the actual figure stood at 1.95 billion units. The forecast indicates a consistent growth per year, with year-on-year increases of approximately 1.7% to 1.8% between 2024 and 2028. Specifically, the passenger traffic is projected to grow by approximately 1.7% in 2025, 1.6% in 2026, 1.6% in 2027, and 1.5% in 2028. Over the five-year forecast period, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is expected to be around 1.6%.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Impact of ongoing investments in railway infrastructure and services.
- Potential shifts in commuter and remote working patterns affecting travel demand.
- Environmental and policy influences promoting public transport usage.
- Technological advancements in rail travel efficiency and passenger convenience.
