‘Flying Scotsman fever’ has contributed to strong passenger numbers at the Severn Valley and East Lancs Railways. The ‘A3’ brought a “substantial increase” in footfall for the ELR, said Financial Director David Layland, with a predicted passenger figure for the year of around 185,000-190,000 - compared to 164,000 in 2015.
Thanks to the Gresley ‘A3’s’ debut in January, and its subsequent visit in October, he said: “In terms of income and turnover, we’re well ahead - at the end of October, the fares side was 45% up, and the turnover is now approaching £3 million.”
A combination of discounted family tickets during the summer holidays, and the meeting of Flying Scotsman and Tornado in September, has greatly lifted passenger numbers at the SVR, says General Manager Nick Ralls.
“With a…