UK Rail Market
In 1996 the UK rail industry was privatised.
Since privatisation the rail industry has been through a period of unprecedented investment by train operating companies (TOCs) and the Government. This has resulted in higher quality services which are frequent, reliable and convenient.
UK rail customer satisfaction rates of around 80% and punctuality rates of around 90% are at record highs. This reflects the industry investment and improved performance.
As the graph below shows, passenger rail has boomed since privatisation. More people now travel on trains that at any time since the Second World War, with passenger journeys up by 60% since 1996.
UK long term rail volume trends
Source: ATOC
UK rail market share (revenue)
Source: Govia estimates – November 2009
Go-Ahead is the UK's busiest rail operator, responsible for nearly 30% of all rail passenger journeys in the UK. Click here to find out more about the UK rail market.
Go-Ahead's strategy of delivering high quality services means we have some of the highest punctuality and customer satisfaction rates in the industry.
In December 2009 we will operate the UK's first high speed domestic rail service between Kent and London, significantly reducing current journey times. This service will play a key role in the development of the 2012 Olympic site and drive significant regeneration in Kent.
