Changing trains versus direct trains

10 November 2022

We have undertaken research in partnership with Network Rail to explore passengers’ views on different types of timetable ‘models’ and the experience of changing trains.

It provides Network Rail’s long-term planners with insight into passengers’ preferences for different types of timetable ‘models’ and their understanding of the trade-offs involved in designing timetables. At its heart was the question whether passengers would prefer direct trains to their destination, or a higher frequency service – that should be more reliable – but which means having to change trains. The research wasn’t testing ‘real world’ timetable options but used hypothetical examples to help us understand passengers’ views. It also asked passengers about their experience of changing trains and how this could be improved.