Rail travel predicted to rise at least 40% in Northern cities

Network Rail has forecast that peak patronage will increase by at least 40% across each major city network in the north of England by 2024. The prediction is made in the final version of the company’s Northern Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) which examines future rail usage and recommends how best to develop the railway.

The report, produced in partnership with regional stakeholders, makes a series of recommendations for targeted investment to cope with the extra passengers, allow rail...