Big Leap in Norwich Commuter Numbers

6.18.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 19th Sep 2008

Figures from the Office of Rail Regulators (ORR) shows a more than 11% jump in numbers of rail commuters from Norwich since 2003/04. These figures have led to more calls for improvements to the Norwich - London service.

Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South, said:

"Across the region, thousands more people are taking the train to work everyday, and yet the service from Norwich to London is simply not good enough."

"People who used to live near London have moved further away from the capital to places like Diss and Norwich because of the Norwich to London line. This is partly because house prices are lower here, but also because families enjoy the quality of life here in Norfolk."

"We're in desperate need of new rolling stock and more reliable infrastructure. Norfolk is missing out on investment for its signals, tracks and stations. Transport links are vital to support the expected growth of the region. As the population continues to increase in Norfolk, we can expect even more people who need access to a rail service they can rely on."

The figures released by the ORR are available from: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1529

Numbers of season tickets have been used as a proxy for commuter numbers, which in 2006/07 is given as 340,096; and in 2003/04 is given as 306,195. This represents an increase of 33,901 (just over 11%).