The big picture: New data from the Office of Rail and Road shows:
Total passenger entries and exits across Britain reached 2.9 billion in the year to March
This figure nearly matches the pre-pandemic peak of 3 billion in 2019-20
Ipswich's two stations are still lagging behind the national recovery trend with 200,000 fewer station entries and exits than before the pandemic
It comes as Greater Anglia topped train punctuality leaderboards for the sixth consecutive quarter.
Greater Anglia claims top spot for UK train punctuality for sixth consecutive quarter
Greater Anglia has maintained its position as the UK's most punctual train operator, according to its latest performance figures. The company reports seven of its routes are achieving over 95% punctuality rates.
Meanwhile: London Liverpool Street, the main terminus for Ipswich services, remains Britain's busiest station:
94.5 million entries and exits recorded
Up by 14.1 million from 2022-23
Increase largely attributed to Elizabeth Line usage
Bottom line: While Britain's railways show strong signs of recovery, Ipswich's 200,000 passenger shortfall suggests local rail use in Ipswich may have permanently shifted following the pandemic.
Greater Anglia trains to be brought under public control next autumn
Greater Anglia's rail services will transfer into public ownership in autumn 2025, the government has announced. The change comes as part of a wider plan to renationalise train services across England.
