These graphs show the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) statistics for passenger growth in terms of number of passenger entries and exits at local stations from 2002/03 onwards.
The latest figures, published in December 2025, once again show record numbers of passengers at most local and regional stations. Growth continued across the network.
Major stations
The region’s major stations continued their post-COVID recovery.
At Bath, passenger numbers are now above pre-COVID levels. At Bristol Parkway they have almost completely recovered, and at Bristol Temple Meads they were at 94% of pre-COVID levels.
Regional stations
Almost all of our regional stations recorded their busiest ever year in 2024/25. Only Weston-super-Mare and Nailsea and Backwell have yet to fully recover, with traffic at around 90% of its pre-COVID level.
Pilning’s numbers are too small to have any statistical significance. This station has a Parliamentary service which does not reflect its potential.
Local stations
Almost all of our local stations had their busiest ever year in 2024/25.
The new station at Portway Park & Ride has recorded around 60,000 passengers in its first full year, which is lower than the original forecast of just under 70,000. Planned improvements to make the Park and Ride hub more accessible to buses may help this station realise its potential,.
Ashley Down station has not recorded a full year’s figures, but appears to have made a promising start. Over 50,000 passengers used the station, despite its an infrequent service and fares which are high in comparison to buses and other local rail services.
At Filton Abbey Wood passenger numbers are still below the pre-COVID peak, presumably due to changes in the working patterns of MOD staff.
At Severn Beach passenger numbers have fallen significantly. We are not sure what has caused this, but suspect that some passengers may be using St Andrews Road instead – an option which has become more attractive as more trains now stop there.