Transport for the North has published the results of a survey that shows what people in the North of England are looking for from their railway.

Top priorities were lower fares and more reliable trains, followed by more direct services, more seating capacity on the trains, and better links, including to a wider range of towns, rural, and coastal areas, and airports.

The research, carried out between February and March 2025 in collaboration with the Rail North Partnership, surveyed nearly 700 members of the Northern Transport Voices online community, asking them about their rail travel habits and priorities.

Key findings from the survey include:

• 60% use trains for leisure journeys compared with 18% who use trains for commuting.
• 25% use trains to travel to airports.
• 73% of existing users and a third of don’t currently use the trains expect to travel more by train in the future.
• 82% of current train users, and almost half of those who don’t travel by train, thought that train services are important for their local area.
• Many respondents wanted later services, with an especially strong demand for more late evening services between 10 pm and 12 am, particularly when linked to travel for social events.
• When on board trains, major highlights were the ease of finding a seat, and the option to pre-book, and clean and comfortable trains, including toilets.

Overall, the survey reveals that while affordability and reliability are essential, passengers also want investment in other areas, including more capacity, better comfort, and stronger connectivity across northern England. In particular, the survey highlights the importance of involving communities when considering the future of the railways, and why customers should be at the centre of railway matters.

A summary of the report Northern Transport Voices: Passenger priorities for rail in the North can be downloaded here, whilst a copy of the full report is available here.

Earlier this year, Transport for the North called for more investment to improve stations, while last year, Northern, a major train operator in the north of England, joined The Purpose Coalition, a nationwide scheme committed to advancing social mobility and improving equal opportunities.