These graphs show the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) statistics for number of passenger entries and exits at local stations of interest from 2001 to 2018.
Stations showed mixed trends in passenger numbers between 2017 to 2018, largely due to the preparatory engineering work in anticipation of four-tracking and re-signalling. FOSBR are looking forward to receiving the next set of ORR statistics to illustrate the picture as far as March 2019, a period that includes the Filton Bank blockade.
Since 2008, of the larger stations, Filton Abbey Wood has shown the largest growth with an increase of 129% from the 2008 baseline. It lies 6th behind the other large local stations, in order of usage Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Bristol Parkway, Gloucester and Weston-super-Mare. Bristol Temple Meads is the undoubted league-topper with more than 11m entries and exits, but Bath Spa achieves honourable runner-up with more than 6m. Bath Spa and Temple Meads both show strong growth from 2008 with 43% and 60% respectively.
For the Severn Beach Line, according to ticket sales data, passenger numbers doubled between 2008 and 2013 and then have shown gradual growth since this time (until 2017). This growth is due to increased ridership and, in part, improved revenue collection.
ORR statistics are generated from ticket sales derived from LENNON, the rail industry’s ticketing and revenue system. However, LENNON does not attribute individual station figures correctly in a zonal fares system such as the Severn Beach Line. Also, a line such as the Severn Beach Line does not achieve 100% revenue collection so the data underscores the actual journeys made.
We have historically had supplementary statistics to monitor passenger numbers on the Severn Beach Line,. However, the June passenger count organised by Severnside Community Rail Partnership and the November passenger count organised by the local authority are no longer carried out due to lack of funding and resources.