August return to growth for Trainline as European rail travel demand resumes

Rail platform Trainline has announced a return to profitability in line with the easing of COVID restrictions.

The firm’s UK business recovered to 95 per cent in Q2 compared with the same period two years ago, and returned to growth in August.

In addition, the firm has reported an accelerated shift to digital ticketing, with UK eticket penetration increasing to 40 per cent in Q2.

Jody Ford, CEO of Trainline, commented: “It is reassuring to see demand for rail travel coming back strongly in all markets across Europe, following an incredibly tough period for the industry.

“While it remains unclear how long it will take for demand to fully return, we remain positive about the long term tailwinds for the industry, including the significant planned investment in rail capacity, particularly on high speed routes, and a growing awareness of the environmental benefits of travelling by train versus other less sustainable modes of transport.

“As COVID restrictions ease, Trainline is taking a leading role in supporting the rail industry in its recovery, leveraging our investment in digital ticketing, product innovation and marketing.

“This is reflected in the recovery of our UK Consumer business - accelerating the market shift to etickets, which now make up 40 per cent of all tickets sold in the UK - and reflected in our return to growth across our top four domestic markets in International, including Italy which grew 95 per cent in Q2 versus two years ago.”

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