First class journeys on UK trains hit 10-year high

Date: 4/3/2013

The number of first class journeys made on Britain's trains has hit a ten-year high, the Daily Telegraph reports.

According to figures released today (March 4th) by the (ATOC) Association of Train Operating Companies, the national rail network catered for a total of 11 million first class journeys in 2012 - up from 6.7 million in 2003.

And while the rate of growth in such travel is now slower than it was at the start of the last decade, the figures have bounced back significantly on declines seen between 2008 and 2009.

Indeed, 2008/09 saw the number of first class journeys fall to 9.3 million, with businesses and public sector organisations making their staff travel in cheaper carriages as a means to cut their expenditure. This also applied to MPs following the various expenses scandal stories that made the headlines.

ATOC says that it is a new breed of first class passenger that is helping to boost figures, with a growing number of students booking cheap tickets in advance, using their young person's travel cards to keep costs down.

The Virgin Rail Group has also witnessed a surge in the popularity of travelling first class among hen parties, stag dos and groups of football fans - as well as night club revellers booking premium carriages during the weekends.

With perks such as free drinks, snacks, alcohol and even breakfast on some services, a Virgin Train spokesman claimed that passengers will readily pay extra if they want more from their journeys.

"If they want a little bit of luxury and pampering they are prepared to pay for it," he said.

Sales of advance first class tickets have also surged in recent years - up from 3.6 million in 2008 to 6.3 million in 2012 - with passengers aware of the savings that can be made by booking early.

With one operator offering one-way first class journeys from London Euston to Manchester for as little as £36, the increase in premium travel was also attributed to people realising the benefits of searching for the tickets which provided best value for money.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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