Data recently published by the Office of Rail Regulation has shown passenger numbers in the London & South East region continue to grow at record levels in 2007. More than 820 million passenger journeys were made in the region, an increase of 78 million journeys (+10.5%) over 2006. This represents the highest number of journeys on the busiest part of Britain’s rail network for almost 50 years.

Ian Reynolds, KBH Transport Media’s Managing Director says “People are increasingly turning to rail as, for the first time, we see the environmental benefits of rail becoming a significant factor in how people choose to travel.”

Passenger Focus, the national rail consumer watchdog, also notes the change in sentiment towards rail travel, adding that "punctuality and new rolling stock have made the trains a more attractive alternative to congested roads."

Strong consumer support is expected to contribute to further growth on the railways over the next 5 years, with passenger volumes forecast to rise by around 6% each year. Structural support for this period of growth will be provided by an on-going programme of modernisation on the network.

The London & South East rail network in particular will be transformed by huge investments in infrastructure and new rolling stock. Initiatives already underway include the £3.5bn upgrade of Thameslink, where 380 new trains are on order to increase the number of services running through stations that serve the City of London. The £1.4bn East London Line extension is also due to open in 2010, with plans to create an overground orbital rail service extending to Clapham Junction. And 24 new trains will run on the North London Line from 2009.

“The future looks bright for the railways” says Reynolds “with the next large investments targeted at pinchpoints in the London & South East region, we believe consumers will continue to choose the train over the car or bus in even greater numbers.”

Office of Rail Regulation, National Rail Trends, 2007-2008 Q3, Published in April 2008