Rail recovery reflected in Trainline sales surge

Figures grew 21% YoY

Rail app Trainline reported a 22% rise in group net ticket sales to £5.3 billion in the year to February.

Group revenue rose by 21% year-on-year to £397 million as the company reported strong growth in ticket sales.

UK consumer ticket sales of £3.5 billion rose 23% over the previous 12 months while international sales grew by 14% to surpass £1 billion.

This reflected continued rail market recovery, as well as the industry suffering from fewer strikes than in the prior year – 25 against 30.

Ticket sales through the Trainline Solutions arm rose by almost a third (31%) to £785 million as business travel in the UK industry recovered from a lower base. 

Chief executive Jody Ford said: “Trainline is a home-grown British tech success that has scaled beyond domestic borders to become Europe’s most downloaded rail app. 

“We outperformed expectations this year, growing strongly in the UK and across the continent, with international consumer net ticket sales of more than £1 billion.

“Our growth was fastest in Spanish domestic travel, which doubled year- on-year as we position ourselves as the aggregator of choice. 

“Trainline’s market share continues to rise on key routes like Madrid-Barcelona, which is now our third most popular route across all countries, including the UK. 

“This reflects liberalisation and emerging carrier competition that is set to transform European rail, driving down prices for customers while increasing choice and value.”

The company is due to publish full-year results for the 12 months to February 29 on May 3.