Trainline has enjoyed a recovery in rail travel in the UK and rapid growth across Europe, with aggregator Trainline's ticket sales exceeding £5bn for the first time.
The London-listed company's pre-tax profits more than doubled to £48m in the year ended February 29 as the rail strike eased, but fell from 30th to 25th in the previous 12 months.
Trainline ticket sales increased 22% year-on-year, primarily driven by £3.5bn of UK tickets. The overall UK rail market rebounded in estimated passenger revenue to £10.6bn during the reporting period, up from £8.9bn the previous year.
This bumper year saw further growth in sales in Spain and Italy, with a combined 43% increase as Trainline further penetrated international markets in both countries.
On the back of growth in Europe, Trainline's international ticket sales exceeded £1 billion for the first time.
The company has pursued aggressive growth plans in both countries in recent years, with competition among rail operators more intense than in other markets such as France and Germany, increasing demand for its model as a price aggregator.
Trainline CEO Jody Ford said: “Competition from new airlines is increasing as more customers benefit from greater choice, lower prices and the opportunity to choose greener travel. is revolutionizing European railways.”
“We are becoming the aggregator of choice in the UK and internationally, with strong growth particularly in the fastest liberalizing markets such as Spain.”
Trainline said there was still “considerable scope for growth” in the UK, with tickets bought offline accounting for around £3bn of total UK ticket sales last year. It is estimated that most of these are short-distance or commuting trips.
The company said it will continue to adjust its mobile app to better serve commuters, including by expanding digital commuter pass functionality.
Trainline has also launched a 'Best Price Guarantee' feature which will refund the difference if customers find a cheaper same-day ticket elsewhere.
The move increased Trainline's share of commuters to 23% from 10% before the pandemic.
