Record passenger numbers on Suffolk’s rural rail lines

Published on: Wednesday, 20 June 2018
Last updated: Wednesday, 20 June 2018

As the second Suffolk Day approaches, Greater Anglia has revealed figures showing that over the last five years 15% more people in the county are using their local rail lines.

Record numbers travelled on Greater Anglia’s East Suffolk Lines train services last year, with the lines recording their highest ever number of passengers.

More than 40,000 additional passenger journeys were made in 2017 on the lines - which run from Ipswich to Lowestoft and Ipswich to Felixstowe – bringing the annual total to a new high of over 942,000 passenger journeys.

Greater Anglia’s Area Customer Service Manager, Neil Grabham, said, “We’ve been making improvements to stations and trains and offering frequent services and great value fares, and this along with the dedication and focus of the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership, is helping our local rail lines to thrive, connecting people and communities across the county.”

“There are many Suffolk Day events taking place in the towns and villages served by these lines on 21 June, making for a great day out by rail.”

Recent improvements have included a new waiting shelter and heritage station signage at Beccles, funding to regenerate Lowestoft station, the restoration of Wickham Market station and good links with local bus services.

Neil Grabham, added, "By working together with partners who share an interest in the success of the East Suffolk lines, we are committed to making these routes even more successful and an even more valuable asset to communities in Suffolk, supporting tourism and the local economy."

“There is even better to come for the lines from 2019, when all our trains will be replaced with brand new ones, creating more seats, a more comfortable journey and even more frequent services.”

Martin Halliday, Community Rail Officer said, “The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership are thrilled that passenger journeys continue to increase and proud to partner with Greater Anglia to extol the delights to be found by rail in Suffolk.”

“There is so much for people to explore as the lines from Ipswich link to areas of outstanding natural beauty, industrial and maritime heritage, traditional seaside resorts and family attractions.”