Network Rail has thanked passengers who use Leeds for following the advice and only travelling when essential during the Coronavirus pandemic.
New figures have shown the user numbers have fallen by 94%.
Network Rail is still urging passengers who are making non-essential journeys to stop doing so immediately.
Leeds is the third busiest railway station outside of London normally, with approximately 30 million users a year, and is served by TransPennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Northern, CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway.
What did the officials say?
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.”
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When is platform 0 at Leeds railway station due to open once it’s completed. Will it be used mainly for Northern electric trains & LNER Azumas. Or to be used for local services operated with Northern diesel trains.
So surprised to learn about this.
Judging by the look of the part of Leeds Railway Station whom the station platforms are completely empty as there’s no such passengers to be seen what-so-ever,
It looks as though it’s almost like an abandoned ghost station.
I do hope life eventually gets back to normal soon.