The first line graph illustrates how many people travelled by train over the 2000-2009 period, while the other presents the proportions of trains running punctually as well as the designed target throughout the given timeframe.
Overall, despite some fluctuations, passenger numbers and train punctuality both recorded net increases after the years. The percentage of trains departing on time exceeded the target in some years, highlighting notable improvements in train services.
Focusing on the number of train travellers, just under 40 million individuals used trains in 2000. The figure was followed by minor fluctuations before reaching a peak of approximately 50 million by 2005. It then witnessed a dramatic decline, returning to its initial figure in 2008. Despite a recovery to 42 million by the end, this rise was rather negligible compared to the previous fall.
With the fixed target of 95%, the actual proportion of trains running on time in the first year was 3% lower, and then reached exactly 95% in 2002. Over the next two years, punctuality improved significantly, experiencing a surge to 96% – exceeding the target by 1%. This was followed by a considerable drop, bringing the figure back to its initial level before bouncing back to hit a high of 97%. Afterwards, the figure levelled off at this level until the end of the period.