The rail industry is experiencing a robust recovery, as indicated by significant sales growth reported by Trainline.
- Trainline saw a remarkable 22% increase in group net ticket sales, reaching £5.3 billion.
- UK consumer ticket sales rose by 23%, with international sales exceeding £1 billion, highlighting market recovery.
- Trainline Solutions experienced a substantial 31% rise in ticket sales, driven by rebounding business travel.
- The company’s growth in Spanish domestic travel doubled, further consolidating Trainline’s leadership in Europe.
The rail industry is experiencing a notable resurgence, as evidenced by a significant rise in sales reported by Trainline. The company achieved a remarkable 22% increase in group net ticket sales, amounting to £5.3 billion over the past year. This growth is indicative of a strong recovery in the rail market, which had previously been impacted by industrial actions.
In the UK, consumer ticket sales climbed by 23% to £3.5 billion, while international sales surpassed £1 billion with a 14% growth. This surge reflects a recovery in the market, bolstered by fewer strikes compared to the previous year, with only 25 strikes against last year’s 30. Such improvements have facilitated a smoother operational environment, encouraging more consumers to utilise rail services.
Trainline Solutions, a division of the company, reported an impressive 31% increase in ticket sales, reaching £785 million. This rise is attributed to a recovery in business travel within the UK sector from a lower base. As business operations stabilise, there is an evident uplift in the demand for corporate travel, fuelling further growth in ticket sales.
Chief Executive Jody Ford highlighted Trainline’s achievements, stating, “Trainline is a home-grown British tech success that has scaled beyond domestic borders to become Europe’s most downloaded rail app.” Ford noted that the company outperformed expectations with strong growth both domestically and across Europe, particularly in Spanish domestic travel, which doubled year-on-year.
Trainline’s market share continues to expand, particularly in key routes like Madrid-Barcelona, now the company’s third most popular route across all countries. This is a reflection of the ongoing liberalisation and emerging carrier competition in European rail, which aims to reduce prices and increase value for consumers.
Trainline’s impressive growth underscores the rail industry’s strong recovery and its expanding influence in Europe.