A new survey has revealed what people in the North of England want most from their railway. After lower fares and improved reliability, their top priorities are for more direct services, more capacity, and better links to a wider range of towns, rural and coastal areas, and airports.
The research, carried out by Transport for the North (TfN) in collaboration with the Rail North Partnership, asked nearly 700 members of its Northern Transport Voices online community about their rail travel habits and priorities between February and March 2025.
Key findings include:
When asked what mattered most once on board, passengers highlighted securing a seat (with the option to pre-book), and clean and comfortable trains – including toilets.
The findings suggest that while affordability and reliability remain essential, passengers also want investment in other basics: more capacity, improved comfort, and stronger connectivity across the North.
The survey results underline the importance of ensuring communities feel heard in shaping the future of rail – and why putting customers at the centre of our railway matters
A summary report, Northern Transport Voices: Passenger priorities for rail in the North, is available to download here.
The full report, Northern Transport Voices: Passenger priorities for rail in the North, is available to download here.