The number of rail journeys has reached a record high of 1.3 billion, with an increasing trend of people using trains, new figures have shown.

Journeys across Scotland, England and Wales, increased by 63.6 million, or 5%, in the year to last March, the most since records began in 1995.

Rail journeys on commuter routes between London and the South East also made a new record of 191 million after a 2.9% rise, reported the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).

All regions saw an increase, with the exception of Wales, where journeys fell by 1.3% to 9.1 million, partly due to the effect on services of storms.

Rail passenger journeys have increased every year since 1995/96, with the exception of 2009/10, which coincided with the economic downturn.

The ORR said the number of rail passenger journeys has more than doubled since 1995/96.

Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA rail union, said: "The record numbers of passengers in London and the South East gives added weight to last week's Transport Select Committee report highlighting the southern bias of so much of our rail investment.

"While this region has seen £9 billion invested in Thameslink and new trains and a further £18 billion in Crossrail, passengers in the north are still rattling around in 30-year-old Pacer trains which should have been scrapped years ago.

"We must make sure that all regions benefit from the £38 billion being invested over the next four years."

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