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Over seven million passengers expected to take the train over Easter bank holiday

03/04/2012

More than seven million passengers are expected to travel by rail over the Easter bank holiday weekend, according to the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC).

The vast majority of people travelling by train should experience no disruption because of improvement works. Figures from ATOC and Network Rail show that the number of replacement buses has dropped by over a third compared with last Easter – 34% less than last year.

Across the rail network as a whole, bank holidays tend to be quieter than normal as there are far fewer commuter journeys made, but certain parts of the country see a rise in the number of leisure travellers.

In some instances improvement work has been brought forward, as Network Rail has pledged that there will be no disruptive work planned on mainline rail routes over a three month period this summer including the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) said: “We’re expecting millions of people to travel by train as they head off on days out around the country to see friends and family.

“On the small number of routes affected by improvement works, a great deal of planning goes into making sure that we keep passengers on trains as much as possible.”

Robin Gisby, Network Rail's managing director, network operations said: "Passengers will see fewer buses and a better service this Easter as our vital improvement work uses new techniques and equipment that reduces the impact on train services. This will be the model for the years ahead as we invest heavily to build a bigger, better railway and support Britain’s economic growth."

ENDS