Over 1 million passenger journeys on the Norwich – Cambridge rail line as numbers continue to grow

Latest figures reveal that more people than ever travelled between Norwich and Cambridge by rail last year.

More than 35,000 additional passenger journeys were made with Greater Anglia in 2018, bringing the annual total to over 1 million – up 3.6% on 2017.

Numbers of people travelling by rail between the two cathedral cities, and from the key stations in between – Wymondham, Attleborough, Thetford, Brandon and Ely – have grown steadily since the direct train service began in September 2002.

The opening of Cambridge North station in 2017, which is served by both Greater Anglia and Great Northern trains, has also boosted passenger numbers.

In 2018, Cambridge North station welcomed 546,717 passengers, a 28% year on year increase.

Jonathan Denby, Greater Anglia’s Head of Corporate Affairs, said, “The Norwich to Cambridge train service is extremely important to commuter, business and leisure travellers in these key regional centres, and the towns along the route, providing an attractive alternative to the A11.

“It also supports sustainable economic growth, linking thriving business, education and health sectors.”

“The line has benefited from the opening of Cambridge North station, with passenger numbers exceeding initial expectations, as the service offers new journey opportunities to and from the north east part of Cambridge and the business park located there.

“In addition, over the last year, we completed the refurbishment of the smart, modern trains used on the line and installed ticket vending machines at key stations along the route to make ticket purchase simpler and rail travel more convenient.”

“With the introduction of our brand new fleet of trains just around the corner, we look forward to improving passengers’ journeys still further and making rail travel an even more attractive option on this key economic corridor.

“We will then start to extend some of the services through to Stansted Airport, providing a direct link through from Norwich with no need to change trains.”

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