As Trainline experiences a remarkable surge in sales, the rail sector shows signs of robust recovery.
- The app reported a 22% rise in group net ticket sales, reaching £5.3 billion in the past year.
- UK consumer ticket sales grew by 23% to £3.5 billion, while international sales surpassed £1 billion, up by 14%.
- Fewer strikes, down from 30 to 25, contributed to the market’s revitalization, enhancing ticket sales significantly.
- The Trainline Solutions arm saw a 31% increase in sales, reflecting a recovery in UK business travel.
The past year has been pivotal for Trainline, marking a 22% increase in group net ticket sales amounting to £5.3 billion by February. This growth is reflective of a recovering rail market, bolstered further by a reduction in industrial strikes, decreasing from 30 to 25 over the year.
In the UK, consumer ticket sales reached £3.5 billion, witnessing a substantial 23% rise over the preceding year. Meanwhile, international sales have surpassed the £1 billion mark, showcasing a 14% growth. These figures highlight Trainline’s expanding footprint beyond domestic borders, with significant traction in the international arena.
Chief executive Jody Ford stressed the company’s triumph, stating, “Trainline is a home-grown British tech success that has scaled beyond domestic borders to become Europe’s most downloaded rail app.” The company’s international consumer net ticket sales exceeded £1 billion, with particularly rapid growth in Spanish domestic travel, which doubled over the year.
Trainline has positioned itself as a leader in the rail ticket aggregation market, particularly with strong performances on key routes like Madrid-Barcelona, now its third most popular route. This success is indicative of the ongoing liberalisation and carrier competition which are reshaping the European rail landscape, promising lower prices and greater variety for passengers.
Moreover, the Trainline Solutions sector, focusing on business travel, experienced a 31% boost in sales, amounting to £785 million. This increment is a testament to the reviving business travel sector within the UK, overcoming the setbacks faced in previous years.
Trainline’s notable growth underscores the broader recovery within the rail industry, driven by increased competition and market liberalisation.
