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Tuesday 7 Apr 2020

Network Rail thanks commuters as figures show over 90% decrease in Leeds station users during Covid-19 crisis

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail has thanked people who usually use Leeds railway station for following government guidance and only travelling when essential, as new figures show that footfall at the station has decreased by 94%*.

The figures show that commuters who usually use Leeds station are taking the guidance seriously and helping to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Fewer travellers means safer journeys for those passengers who can't work from home.

Network Rail is urging anyone who is making non-essential journeys to stop doing so immediately. Passengers who do need to use the railway should continue to check before travelling by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk or by contacting their train operator.

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “These figures show a dramatic decrease in passengers using Leeds station and we’d like to thank commuters in Leeds for following government advice and only travelling when their journeys are essential.

“Fewer travellers helps us to move passengers who do need to travel safely, as well as reducing the amount of people who our frontline staff come into contact with.

“Thanking people for not travelling by railway isn’t our usual message, but we’re living in exceptional times. We can’t be complacent and we would urge people to continue to follow the guidelines, which will help to keep more people safe.”

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “I am delighted to be in the unprecedented position of thanking people across the country for joining together to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives, and avoid using our railways.

“Figures show that footfall at Leeds station has decreased by 94% - a fantastic sign that people are listening to the advice to stay home wherever possible.”

ENDS

*% calculated using number of people who have entered Leeds station via the ticket barriers on the main concourse. Data difference calculated by total footfall for 1-7 March (inclusive) vs total footfall for 25-31 March (inclusive).