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

Network Rail has thanked people who usually use King’s Cross and Leeds railway stations for following government guidance and only travelling when essential.

New figures show that footfall at King’s Cross station has decreased by 92%* while at Leeds the figure is 94%*.

The figures show that commuters who usually use King’s Cross station are taking the guidance seriously and are 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.

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast Route, said: “These figures show a dramatic decrease in passengers using King’s Cross station and we’d like to thank commuters 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 King’s Cross and Leeds stations has decreased by 92% and 94% – a fantastic sign that people are listening to the advice to stay home wherever possible.”

*% calculated using number of people who have entered King’s Cross and Leeds stations 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).

Photo credits: Network Rail

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