PASSENGER levels in Britain for the 12 months from April 2020 to March 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic were only 22% of the previous year’s figures according to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

Some 388 million passenger journeys were made between April 1 last year and March 31 this year, compared with 1.739 billion in the 12 months previously.

Passenger revenue for the period was £1.9bn, equating to 18.3% of the £10.4bn (in 2020-2021 prices) generated in the 12 months prior.

Through much of the pandemic, the British government advised passengers not to travel unless necessary. And while recent figures show passenger levels approaching almost 60% of pre-Covid levels, restrictions remain including compulsory bookings for some operators.

For 2020-2021 fourth quarter (January 1-March 31) some 80 million journeys were made. Although down from 139 million in the third quarter, this was still more than double the 35 million journeys made in the first quarter of 2020-2021.