Northern sets out plan to increase annual passenger numbers by 30 million

Rail operator, Northern, has set out plans to increase annual passenger numbers on its services by 30 million by the end of the decade.

The ’30 by 30′ plan sets out an data-driven approach to achieving sustainable, long-term growth over the course of the next four years to 2030. Interventions are based around improving the reliability of services, initiatives to improve ticketing and connectivity, and organic passenger growth. Each of the three growth areas is expected approximately 10 million extra passengers to Northern’s overall goal.

Reliability improvement target achieving the rail operator’s 90/2 ambition for its performance, with 90% of passengers arriving on time, and less than 2% cancelled.

Based on current passenger trends, organic passenger growth will contribute to 10 million extra journeys per year. The operator recently surpassed set new records for post-pandemic passenger numbers, showing strong momentum in this area already.

Other initiatives that will help increase rail passenger numbers include new ticketing options, such as Pay As You Go ticketing and better integration with other forms of public transport. Both changes are planned in Greater Manchester as part of the rail network’s inclusion in the Bee Network, alongside trams and buses, and is set to affect most local rail services in Stockport by 2028.

Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director for Northern, said:

“Our vision for 30 by 30 is rooted in confidence and user research.  

“Our data shows that the demand for rail travel is greater than ever, and with improved performance, better value and greater convenience, we can make rail the natural choice for even more people and how they travel across the North.  

“This is a growth plan with purpose. It is customer-led, and we aim to deliver it alongside our stakeholder partners. It aligns closely with local ambitions, the region’s economic goals and national transport strategy.” 

The plan complements wider industry goals and the vision of Great British Railways, demonstrating that Northern is not waiting for structural reform to grow the market. Instead, the operator is actively shaping its own path toward a stronger, more reliable and more customer-focused railway, now. 

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England, including all local stations in Stockport.