Train passengers spend billions near stations - and it's vital to local economies

Train travel is proving to be a lifeline for local economies, with passengers splashing out billions of pounds each year, new research commissioned by the rail sector has revealed.

The study, funded by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), estimates that train passengers in Britain spend £23bn annually at high street stores and an additional £9bn at independent businesses. Some 70% of those surveyed for the report believe having a train station nearby is crucial for the success of local businesses.

On average, passengers spend about £7 each before they even board a train, whether it's on refreshments, a last-minute haircut, or buying a gift. RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr commented: "Rail is at the heart of local economies."

"Up and down the country, we’re seeing networks of small and medium businesses and independent companies thriving in and around train stations. For our customers, travelling by train is more than getting from A to B. It is a ticket to explore our towns and cities, and support the businesses on their local high streets. If more people choose to travel by train in the future, we can only expect to see a stronger ripple effect, giving a further boost to local economies."

These figures come from a report by consultancy WPI Economics, which drew on a survey of over 3,000 individuals whose last journey involved one of 20 towns or cities. Separate statistics from the Office and Rail and Road reveal that the Government has pumped £21.1bn into Britain’s rail industry in the year leading up to March 2023.

This sum is primarily made up of £11.9bn for the operational railway, £6.9bn towards developing HS2, and an additional £2bn for infrastructure and enhancements.