Rail Journeys in Pembrokeshire Surge by 18% in One Year

Passenger journeys at rail stations in Pembrokeshire have surged by nearly 18% in the past year, according to new figures from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The data reveals that around 528,000 entries and exits were recorded across the region’s 16 stations for the year ending in March 2023. This marks an increase from 446,000 the previous year and represents a significant rebound compared to the 480,000 journeys logged in the year leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Campaign for Better Transport has hailed this rise as a “cause for celebration,” emphasizing that it reflects a broader trend of increased rail usage across Britain. The organization is advocating for further investment to expand the rail network, making it more accessible to communities that currently lack nearby stations.

Rising Rail Usage Across the UK

The latest statistics show that rail journeys nationwide have also seen a significant uptick. A total of 1.73 billion passenger journeys were made in the year ending March 2023, representing a 7% increase from the 1.61 billion journeys recorded the year before.

The busiest station in the country remains London Liverpool Street, with approximately 98 million entries and exits, an increase of 4% from the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to the popularity of the Elizabeth Line, which opened in 2022. The line enhances connectivity from Reading and Heathrow Airport through central London to Shenfield in Essex.

Following London Liverpool Street, the second and third busiest stations are London Waterloo with 70.4 million journeys and London Paddington with 69.9 million. Notably, Birmingham New Street leads outside the capital with 36.6 million journeys, while Cardiff Central was the busiest station in Wales, recording 12.5 million entries and exits.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the increase in rail journeys is encouraging, the Campaign for Better Transport has highlighted ongoing challenges. Michael Solomon Williams, a representative of the organization, pointed out that not everyone has equal access to rail services. He stated, “Some people have no station nearby, and many struggle to afford train travel.” The campaign is urging the new public body, Great British Railways, to set clear targets for increasing passenger numbers and expanding the rail network.

Williams emphasized that connecting more communities through rail can yield significant economic, environmental, and social benefits. The success of new lines like the Elizabeth Line and the reopening of lines such as the Northumberland Line underscore the potential for positive change in the rail sector.

Interestingly, not all stations are thriving. The least-used station in Britain for the year 2024-2025 was Elton and Orston in Nottinghamshire, with only 68 entries and exits, served by just one train per day in each direction. Such stations often remain open due to the logistical ease of maintaining infrequent service compared to navigating the closure process.

Focusing on the broader picture, Feras Alshaker, director of planning and performance at the ORR, remarked that the current statistics illustrate a sustained recovery in rail usage across the country. He noted the importance of understanding evolving travel patterns to shape a rail network that meets the needs of passengers effectively.

As the rail industry continues to recover, the recent figures from Pembrokeshire and beyond highlight both the challenges and the promising opportunities for growth within the sector. Investing in rail infrastructure will be crucial in enhancing accessibility and encouraging more passengers to choose train travel in the future.