Category Archives: Transport

Motoring, Transport

Stylish Vitara gets electric boost

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Suzuki Vitara Hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

THE Vitara may be something of a veteran these days, having been around for more than three decades.

But looking at the 2020 version, you would not believe it was the same car with its sleeker design and hybrid technology.

 If an SUV can be described as attractive, then The Vitara is a strong contender, particularly in this two-tone version.

Red, with contrasting black roof, door mirrors and wheel arch guards, it also  features raked windscreen, familiar clamshell bonnet to complement the recently redesigned front grille, lower bumper, silver roof rails, and stylish rear lamp clusters. This year new LED design headlamps have also been incorporated  for this hybrid model.

Engine choice is easy. It is powered by the efficient and powerful turbocharged 1.4 litre Boosterjet engine, mated to a Suzuki’s lightweight Integrated Starter Generator, or ISG, 48v lithium-ion battery and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power some low power electrical components. All of this adds only an extra 15kg is added to the overall weight of the vehicle.

Vitara offers great value for money, with comprehensive kit and a great reputation for liability. It looks good too.

The ISG is charged by the battery which is in turn re-charged as the car brakes and decelerates.

It helps power electrical systems like safety features, air conditioning, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity and electrical components that help the car to move.

According to the latest official WLTP figures, this can lead to a 15 per cent boost to fuel economy and a 25 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions. This was pretty much evident during a long and varied run to the coast where close to 50mpg was indicated.

It can also give an extra power boost to the petrol engine when pushed.

Suzukis are always great value for money with high levels of standard kit. The base  model includes seven airbags, assisted braking,  collision avoidance system, alloy wheels, LED projector headlamps for low and high beam, DAB Radio with CD, USB and Bluetooth connectivity,  auto air conditioning and front and auto headlights and wipers.

The SZ-T model driven here adds 17-inch  alloy wheels, white stitching for seat trim fabric, Smartphone link audio and navigation system.

If you want the bells and whistles and the option of four wheel drive, move up to the SZ5 which adds 17-inch polished alloy wheels, suede seat upholstery, keyless entry with start button and panoramic sunroof.

The interior centrepiece, the  touchscreen, controls a number of major functions including infotainment and navigation. Other instrumentation feels sturdy and logical and is easy to use.

There’s also bags of headroom and legroom is good, while the seats are comfortable and fully adjustable, while the commanding driving position is a bonus.

 A neat touch is the partial privacy glass to the rear.

The boot offers 375 litres of space, increasing to 1,730 with the rear seats folded. There is also a secret compartment space under the boot floor cover, with various oddment holders throughout the car.

It is a lively performer on the road with the combined power pushing the car to 60mph in 9.5 seconds, plenty quick enough for most needs.

 It remains well planted and stable when cornering, with little evidence of body roll sometimes associated with SUVs. The only drawback is the light steering, which at times can feel vague.

The car is also packed with safety kit to deliver a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. 

Equipment includes: seven airbags fitted, lane departure warning and lane departure prevention; blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.

As hybrids go, the Vitara offers great value for money with comprehensive standard kit and a great reputation for reliability. It does look good too.

Factfile

Suzuki Vitara 1.4 SZ-T Hybrid

Price: £22,749

Mechanical: 129PS, 1,373cc, four cylinder petrol engine and electric motor driving front wheels wheels via six-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 118mph

0-62mph: 9.5 seconds

Combined mpg: 49.7

Insurance group: 19E

CO2 emissions: 129g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 mile

Motoring, Transport

Ton up for classic roadster

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Mazda MX-5 2.0 100th Anniversary 

By Bill McCarthy

Producing a special edition of the iconic MX-5 takes, well, something special. Arguably the best pound for pound two seater in the world, it has a rich and proud history since first arriving on the scene back in 19.

It has always been a thrilling drive, with an improved, gutsy two-litre petrol engine, mated to one of the finest gearboxes around and superb handling. It also offers practicality with a decent sized boot and a soft top that folds away in seconds for that wind-in-the-hair experience.

 To complement all of this it has a raft of safety features, for those overenthusiastic drivers who may push it beyond the limits and it has those in spades..

Now, as part of Mazda’s 100th anniversary celebrations, this limited edition model, based on the GT Sport Tech, has joined a range of models marking the centenary with special modifications to a limited edition of just 100 models.

‘This roadster is still highly desirable and without doubt one of the best of its kind’

 Each of the models feature white paint and a burgundy interior, plus unique badges as well as contrasting ‘two-tone’ exterior/interior look inspired by the exterior of Mazda’s first car: the R360.  

Other additions include the anniversary badge featuring on the burgundy floor mats, on the key fob and embossed into the headrests. Externally, the same badge is on the wheel centres and the side of the car, while the convertible features a contrasting cherry coloured fabric roof.   

With a price tag of £29,995 the roadster is powered by the 184bhp 2.0-litre engine so there’s plenty of power which is complemented by stiffer suspension and for greater stability and cornering prowess, a limited-slip differential. All this amounts to a superb drive with oodles of power, an agile chassis and sharp direct steering, putting some of its more expensive contemporaries to shame. Throw in that super slick short throw gearshift and you have the almost perfect driving combination.

The two power trains available are the 1.5 litre and two litre  petrol engines with fuel efficient SKYACTIV technology.

The fpower unit on this model now revs up to 7,500 rpm making it  a real driving experience, with the engine almost daring you to take it to the rev limit for peak performance.

The extra power to the rear wheels delivers enhanced performance too, with the 0-60mph sprint achieved in 6.5 seconds, while the tuned exhaust has a throaty rasp under acceleration.

Standard interior features include climate control air-conditioning  and multi-function steering wheel inserts, while telescopic adjustment has been added to the steering. This model  also features integrated Bluetooth, front fog lights, cruise control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror and alloy pedal set. 

Central and brains of the car is  the seven-inch colour touch-screen display and a rotary controller on the console, in addition to navigation functions, it works with compatible internet-enabled iPhone and Android smartphones and controls the impressive sound system.

On the road there are few better handling cars. It stays planted to the road on tight corners and any back end twitch is easily corrected. The ride is firm, but it’s worth it for the fun factor.

 Despite improved soundproofing, things can get a bit noisy with the roof down and the fat tyres on certain surfaces, at higher speeds, but that’s all part of the fun. But it is quiet and refined when pottering around  town. 

 Being a Mazda, reliability is all but guaranteed as are residual value – another reason they are so popular. The car is quite practical for a two seater with that decent boot space,  while there is extra space behind the seats for odds and ends as well as a pair of cup holders.

Safety kit is the best yet with deployable active bonnet system for pedestrian protection, front and side airbags are standard, and the side airbags feature a special bracket on the outside shoulder of the seat to protect occupants’ heads even with the top down. This model adds lane departure warning, front and rear smart braking, traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert.

Still not the quickest, but more than quick enough, highly desirable and still easily one of the best drives around. Add to that around 40mpg economy and you have quite a package.

As a bonus on this anniversary edition, each vehicle will arrive with a bespoke key presentation box to be used on vehicle handover. Following delivery, the customer will also receive a limited edition book documenting the 100th anniversary of Mazda.

One of the limited edition or not, this roadster is still highly desirable and one of the best of its kind.

Factfile

Mazda MX-5 2.0 100th Anniversary

Price: £24,095

Mechanical: 184ps, 1,999cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 136mph

0-60mph: 6.5 seconds

Combined mpg: 40.9

Insurance group: 26

CO2 emissions: 156g/km

BiK rating: 36%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Transport, Travel

Irish ferries sail in with new service

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Irish Ferries will operate Isle of Inishmore on its new Dover to Calais service this summer

Operator to run cross-Channel ferries

Irish Ferries is to start operating a new service between Dover and Calais for the first time in summer 2021 in a bold move to offer and alternative to the existing very fleets and the Channel Tunnel.

Despite the current travel restriction in place in the UK and uncertainty when some kind of normality will resume, the operator, part of Irish Continental Group, is planning to transfer its Isle of Inishmore ferry on to the busy cross-Channel route where it will compete with existing firms P&O Ferries and DFDS.

Services are due to begin in June 2021 with Irish Ferries planning to add more capacity on the Dover-Calais route in the “coming months”.

“We are very excited about launching our services on the best short sea ferry market in the world and we believe we can bring more choice for customers in the years ahead,” said Irish Ferries.

“The initial level of passenger services offered will be dependent on the easing of Covid-19 travel restrictions.”

Doug Bannister, Port of Dover’s chief executive, added: “We are delighted to welcome Irish Ferries to Dover. This announcement gives the millions of customers across the UK and the Republic of Ireland who value the intrinsic benefits of the shortest sea crossing to Europe, the prospect of even more choice.” 

Irish Ferries is also adding a new ship, Blue Star 1, to its fleet which will sail on the Rosslare to Pembroke route.

Motoring, News, Transport

Life in the too-fast lane

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Sutton pensioners have more penalty points than young drivers

Older drivers in Sutton Coldfield are taking risks and driving illegally, totting up more penalty points than younger drivers, according to a road safety charity, which added many should be banned from the roads.

There are more than 304,000 pensioners (over 66s) currently driving on UK roads with penalty points on their licence, nearly 25 times the number of young teenage drivers – of which there are just over 12,000 with penalty points.  

The findings, which came from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVLA by the UK’s largest independent road safety charity – IAM RoadSmart – also revealed that the oldest person driving with points on their licence was 102 while there are more than 3,000 over the age of 90 currently driving with penalty points. 

Overall, there are more drivers in their 30s with penalty points than any other age range (575,029), closely followed by those in their 40s (572,238) and then by those in their 50s (568,511). The highest single age with the greatest number of people with points was 49 (63,248). 

Additional findings from the FOI discovered that there is up to 8,800 people still driving with more than 12 points – the amount at which you are disqualified – while the highest number of penalty points currently held by one individual is 68.  

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “The findings from our Freedom of Information request are surprising. Speeding and other motoring misdemeanours are often associated with younger drivers but the findings clearly show there is a large number of older drivers also flouting the rules. 

“Regardless of age, the message we need to get through is that road safety is paramount and we urge drivers of all ages to stick to the speed limits and ensure their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition. 

“We also urge government to urgently revisit the issue of drivers with more than 12 points who still have not had their licences revoked. IAM RoadSmart has been raising this issue for almost a decade now and the problem still persists.

“It’s not by chance that certain drivers amass 12 or more points and they need to be removed from the public roads. By letting them keep their licence it undermines the simple “four strikes and you’re out” message and this urgently needs to be addressed.”

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit: http://www.iamroadsmart.com

Lifestyle, News, Transport

Sutton bike scheme goes live

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A new cycling scheme, piloted in Sutton Coldfield, has gone live in the town today (March 8), before being rolled out across the West Midlands later this year.

New bike stands have already appeared at Sutton Park and across the town as part of the new cycle hire scheme championed by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

Now the scheme, piloted in Sutton Coldfield last month, has gone live in the town and in Wolverhampton and customers can hire the bikes via an app at a cost £1 to unlock a bike and 5p per minute after that. This means a 20 minute cycle will cost £2 and an hour £4.

Docking stations have appeared in the town centre, at Beeches Walk and at three Sutton Park gates, including Town Gate, Boldmere Gate and Banners Gate.

The scheme will also go live in Coventry, Birmingham, Stourbridge, Walsall and Solihull in the summer.

Eventually there will be 170 fixed docking stations and 1,500 bikes for hire, of which 150 will be powered e-bikes.

The bikes are also fitted with high quality laser safety lights.

Mayor Street, has welcomed the initiative. He said: “I know the people of Sutton will be itching to get involved now they can see the docks and bikes, and I look forward to seeing the first residents of the royal town trying the bikes out.”

“As well as providing a great opportunity for more people to take up cycling – these bikes also made here in the West Midlands, supporting local jobs and businesses.”.

The scheme, which will include a mixture of three speed and electric bikes, is run by Serco, who operate the so-calledBoris Bikes in London on behalf of TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

To find out more visit the website at: https://www.wmcyclehire.co.uk/

Motoring, Roads, Transport

Electric Volvos are a safe bet

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Volvo S90 

By Bill McCarthy

Volvo has been a trendsetter in many ways over the years, notably with innovative safety features, and now with electrification of the Swedish firm’s vehicles.

Thing is about Sweden, you never know when you might run not a moose on those empty roads, so the firm built in a warning system to detect extra large animals, like a wandering moose, along with a raft or other safety features. Add to this the Swedish firm’s proven all wheel drive capability, such a boon on those snowy and icy Nordic roads, and you have quite a package.

You won’t see many on most British roads, but you will see a growing number of electric powered vehicles, whether full hybrid, plug-in hybrid of full electric, so the firm has reacted to this be stating that by 2025, it wants half of its global sales volume to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids.

This big saloon is a plug-in hybrid that offers excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, to make it an extremely attractive company car with lower benefit in kind payments. It is also luxurious, almost decadent, with just about every creature comfort catered for, and a few other bits and pieces as well.

It is a million miles from the tank-like Volvos of yesteryear, looking svelte and sleek. It also adds cutting-edge technologies, ranging from safety to cloud-based apps and services. In addition passengers are cossets in top end comfort, with ride and comfort, matched by few.

It has just two trim levels, R-Design and Inscription driven here, both feature the T8 twin engine technology, with petrol only and diesel abandoned.

 The two litre petrol engine is mated with an 86hp electric motor to deliver a total of 399hp.

That is a lot of power on tap and, mated with a slick eight-speed auto box, the big car delivers blistering pace, racing to 60mph in a shade under five seconds. Very impressive if you take into account the excellent economy on offer. It also has a claimed electric power only range of around 37 miles, a figure I struggled to attain, with nearer 30 miles achieved, even driving carefully. It has a theoretical range of 134 miles, which in the real world equates to nearer 60mpg. Still impressive in such a vehicle.

Having said that, a daily commute on electric only, does give mind-blowing figures, with the plug-in charge up taking around six hours. What you gain in fuel economy, you lose a little on electricity costs, but the savings are clear to see.

Driving in hybrid mode, the electric range does drain fairly quickly so switch to ‘B’ mode on the gear selector which allows the battery to regain power under braking, while slowing the vehicle by just taking your foot off the accelerator.

It has a real road presence, featuring the now-familiar Thor’s hammer style headlights, LED running lights, folding door mirrors, power boot lid, piano black front grille with chrome surrounds and twin exhaust tailpipes, and sitting in smart alloy wheels.

The interior is dominated by nine-inch, tablet style touch screen and a 12.3 inch TFT driver information display.

The touchscreen hosts the major functions, like Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, satellite navigation, various apps, a sophisticated voice-control system, top end sound system with 10 speakers and connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

  • Exterior Large Animal Detection Volvo

You can even turn the car into a WiFi hotspot thanks to the standard data SIM card and it features in-car entertainment applications such as Spotify, Pandora, Baidu or TuneIn and Volvo On Call.

Otherwise quality is exceptional with soft touch materials throughout, powered and heated leather seats which are firm and supportive and a large glass areas. Features include dual zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, electric windows and door mirrors sports mat and pedals.

Also standard are ambient lighting, rear footwell and side step illumination, heated sports multi-function steering wheel, heated, powered front seats with lumbar support, split folding rear seats, power folding rear backrests, and ski hatch.

It is an engaging drive, Even at high speed, engine and road noise is muted, with just a hint of wind noise from the large door mirrors. Excellent torque means motorway driving is a comfortable affair, the key acceleration range of 50-70mph achieved in what seems the blink of an eye.

In practical terms, there is much on offer including a huge, long boot with 500 litres capacity and a power-operated tailgate, which can also be operated with a ‘kick’ function to trigger a sensor beneath the boot.

All models  are packed with safety equipment, which goes without saying on a Volvo, with full complement of airbags and a raft of driver, passenger and pedestrian safety technology. Neat options include automatic parking and  360 degree camera, where the surround view from the four wide-angle lens cameras appears on the centre touch screen at even at very low speeds.

 It also includes City Safety, part of the Intellisafe package, which includes pedestrian, cyclist and the now famed Nordic ‘moose’ detection.

Factfile

Volvo S90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD Inscription

Price: £56,155

Mechanical: Combined 390bhp, two litre petrol engine and electric motor  driving all wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox

Insurance: 42E

Max speed: 112 mph

0-62mph: 4.8 seconds

Combined mpg: 104-148mpg

CO2 emissions: 44-61g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Business, News, Transport, Travel

Cautious Sutton welcome for travel fund boost

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A multi-million pound funding boost to promote active travel, including walking and cycling in the Sutton area, has been given a cautious welcome.

It comes as Sutton residents were taking part in a month-long cycling initiative which is due to go Midlands-wide next week.

Birmingham City Council has been awarded nearly £4.5m as part of the second tranche of funding from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund. 

A Sutton councillor says full consultation with all local interested parties over the new transport funding, must be open and inclusive.

Councillor Maureen Cornish also criticised the council for the installation of a cycle scheme on Brassington Avenue in Sutton town, since removed, for launching a proper consultation.

The new funding comes from a £13 million allocation to Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). 

An engagement programme with residents and businesses on how they would like to see the funding used in their communities is already underway.

Cllr Waseem Zaffar MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Birmingham City Council, said: “This second tranche of funding gives Birmingham a real opportunity to continue transforming our transport network, reduce air pollution, and provide our citizens with more opportunities for active travel.

“We want to focus on supporting a green recovery and will seek community input at every stage, with future schemes being delivered throughout 2021.”

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We all know that cycling and walking are good for our physical health and good for the environment, especially as we face up to the climate emergency in the region.

“Many have taken to two wheels throughout the pandemic, but some are not yet confident enough because they do not believe the right infrastructure is in place. That is why the money we have secured from Government for the Emergency Active Travel Fund is so important, and I look forward to seeing what improvements Birmingham City Council are going to propose for Sutton Coldfield.

“With our West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme trial already up and running in the royal town, and the full scheme launching next week, these are really exciting times for cyclists in Sutton.”

Councillor Maureen Cornish

Councillor Cornish, who represents Four Oaks ward on Birmingham City Council, said: “I would support reducing pollution and encourage active travel including cycling and walking, but proactive consultation is the key.

“This is essential for all wards across the city particularly in Sutton Coldfield. Sutton Town Council, the B.I.D, and local residents must be allowed sufficient time to absorb all plans.

“The previous installation of a cycle route, without full consultation within Brassington Avenue, Sutton Coldfield, resulted in its removal. This was inappropriate use of tax payers money.

“This could have been avoided if consultation was implemented well in advance of installation. Information provided states that consultation will commence later this year, therefor we need to keep a close eye on all aspects of the procedure .”

The Active Travel Fund supports the improvement of active travel (cycling and walking) provision and safety in towns and cities.

Formal consultation on the proposals will take place later this year after lockdown restrictions have eased to ensure inclusive, meaningful engagement with communities and key stakeholders can be carried out.

The plans support the Council’s vision for a cleaner, greener city – as set-out in its Route to Zero Action Plan, which was approved last month.

New bike stands have appeared at Sutton Park as part of the new cycle hire scheme in the town. 

The stands have appeared at the park’s Banners Gate and Boldmere Gate entrances as well as Sutton town centre and customers will hire the bikes via an app at a cost £1 to unlock a bike and 5p per minute after that. This means a 20 minute cycle will cost £2 and an hour £4.

The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has welcomed the initiative. He said: “I know the people of Sutton will be itching to get involved now they can see the docks and bikes, and I look forward to seeing the first residents of the royal town trying the bikes out when the scheme launches to members of the public on March 8.”

News, Transport

Cleaning up with cleaner bin lorries

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Sutton residents promised more efficient service with first of new fleet

Residents in Sutton Coldfield have been promised an improved bin collection service as the first of 76 new environmentally-friendly waste and recycling vehicles have started to roll out on the streets.

The vehicles have been supplied to the city council by West Midlands-based Dennis Eagle and represent an £11 million investment into Birmingham’s waste collection service.

Their arrival in the city heralds the start of the rolling replacement of a fleet that was last upgraded in 2014 and will see the remainder of the service’s vehicles refreshed by 2024.

All the new vehicles will be compliant with the city’s Clean Air Zone, which is set to be introduced from June 2021.

Cllr John O’Shea, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Parks at Birmingham City Council, said: “Our hardworking crews do a great job as part of our effort to keep the streets of Birmingham clean.

“But they need the best tools possible in order to do this – the refresh of our fleet is long-awaited and will help improve the reliability of the collection rounds, reducing our dependency on hire vehicles to shore up the service.

“Just as importantly, these are vehicles made right here in the Midlands. They are cleaner and greener and will improve our wider environmental ambitions related to air quality and carbon emissions.”

Dennis Eagle’s Sales & Marketing Manager Lee Rowland said: “It’s great to be supporting an operator right on our own doorstep, in a place where many of our own staff live.

“This is a very significant order for Birmingham City Council as these vehicles will be much cleaner and more efficient than their existing fleet. They will play a key role following the introduction of a Clean Air Zone next June which will benefit everyone who visits or lives in Birmingham.”

Business, Rail, Transport

Public transport under pressure

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Parking pattern shows Sutton commuters deserting public transport

Commuters in Sutton Coldfield are deserting public transport new research from online parking platform YourParkingSpace.co.uk indicates.

Analysis of its latest booking data, which advertises available parking spaces at train stations across the town and in city centre locations near to offices and work places, reveals a clear drop for the former in favour of the latter.

Indeed, a comparison of a variety of station car parks compared to city centre car parks, show that bookings at train stations via the online parking platform are down 46 per cent while in city centres they are up 19 per cent. 

Both these figures are for bookings in September compared to pre-lockdown in February.

Harrison Woods, managing director at YourParkingSpace.co.uk, said: “Historically, train stations are one of our most popular locations but our research indicates a shift away from these as bookings for empty parking spaces has declined significantly.

“However, this is in stark contrast to empty parking spaces in town and city centre locations, which show a considerable rise in demand, most likely as more people now drive to their workplace.”

For example, bookings via YourParkingSpace.co.uk at normally busy stations such as Ebbsfleet International Station are down 59 per cent, bookings at Ashford International Station are down 45 per cent, bookings at York Station are down 36 per cent and bookings at Aylesbury Station down 66 per cent.

However, bookings for city centre car parks have boomed. For example, in Brighton city centre it has risen by a massive 98 per cent, in Edinburgh it is up 43 per cent and in London up 28 per cent.

The new research also appears to confirm the results of a survey carried out by YourParkingSpace.co.uk at the beginning of lockdown when half of those surveyed said they were less likely to use public transport.

The survey of 3,000 people also discovered that four-in-ten people were more likely to drive.

In fact, other independent research has highlighted that road congestion is now higher in certain areas than it was last year while there has also been millions fewer train journeys.

Harrison added: “Where we work, and how we commute to work, has fundamentally changed. While lots of people are still working from home, many of those venturing to the office are avoiding the train and trying to get as close as possible to the workplace using their own vehicle.”

To learn more about YourParkingSpace.co.uk, or to pre-book an empty parking space in a city centre location, visit www.yourparkingspace.co.uk

Rail, Transport

Slump in railway journeys

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Rail travellers and commuters in Sutton Coldfield say they have noticed a huge drop off in train journeys during the pandemic.

Rail passenger journeys in Great Britain fell to the lowest levels last seen in the mid-nineteenth century, official statistics from the Office of Rail and Road have revealed.

Commuters have noticed the change at stations across the town.

Office worker Dave Johnson, from Four Oaks, who works near Cenentary Square said: “It’s really eerie on the train at times after being packed in like sardines on the rush hour commute. Parking is also a breeze, particularly at Blake Street. It’s a shame this has happened under such tragic circumstances.

Nationally, 35 million journeys are estimated to have been made in the first quarter of 2020-21 (April to June 2020). This is a decrease of more than 400 million compared to the same quarter last year, highlighting the severe effect the coronavirus pandemic has had on passenger numbers.

More journeys were recorded in London and the South East compared to the rest of the country. Govia Thameslink Railway recorded 7.5 million passenger journeys this quarter, the most of any operator.

Recent estimates published by the Department for Transport show that current national rail use was predicted to be 32% of what would be expected on an equivalent day.

Graham Richards, Director of Railway Planning and Performance at the Office of Rail and Road, said:

“This unprecedented fall in passenger numbers, the largest on record to levels last seen in the mid-nineteenth century, has clearly had an impact on both rail usage and also ticketing revenue.

“These figures include the period of lockdown and reassuringly we’re now seeing passenger numbers slowly increase. ORR has worked closely with the industry, and continues to do so, to ensure the necessary health and safety advice and guidance is in place.

“Rail is one of the safest ways to travel and our inspectors continue to monitor the reality on the ground to ensure people have the confidence that they can travel safely.”

Total passenger revenue in Great Britain was £184 million in 2020-21 Q1. This equates to 6.9% of the £2.7 billion in 2019-20 Q1.

Anytime/Peak tickets accounted for 24.1% of all passenger revenue this quarter – the lowest share for such tickets in any quarter since the time series began in 2010-11.