UK Station Records Shocking 68 Passengers in a Year
UPDATE: In a startling revelation, Elston and Orston station near Grantham has been confirmed as the quietest railway station in Great Britain, recording a mere 68 entries and exits from April 2024 to March 2025, according to new figures from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). This shocking statistic highlights a significant decline in passenger traffic, reinforcing the station’s reputation as a ghost stop on the national rail network.
The data shows a staggering drop of more than two-thirds from the previous year, when the station reported 212 entries and exits. This marks the second time in four years that Elston and Orston has held the title of Britain’s least used station. The contrast with the country’s busiest station, London Liverpool Street, which recorded an estimated 98 million entries and exits, is stark and alarming.
In addition to Elston and Orston, four other stations reported fewer than 150 entries and exits. Shippea Hill in Cambridgeshire saw 76, while Ince and Elton in Cheshire had 98. Denton and Reddish South in Greater Manchester recorded 100 and 102 respectively. Meanwhile, Grantham itself ranked 373rd on the list, with 1.48 million entries and exits.
The ORR’s annual overview of rail use indicates that, despite Elston and Orston’s struggles, the overall rail network saw an increase, with an estimated 1,730 million rail journeys made over the same period, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous year.
Officials from the ORR remarked, “In previous years, usage at some of the least used stations has increased the following year. Highlighting these statistics can encourage people to visit them.” This might be a call to action for local communities and rail enthusiasts to breathe life back into these quiet stations.
Despite its minimal footfall, Elston and Orston is still served by mainline rail services, raising questions about the future viability of such stations amidst changing travel habits. This latest development emphasizes the urgent need for strategies to attract passengers and improve rail services in less frequented areas.
As this story continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Elston and Orston station to see if it can rebound in the upcoming year. Can increased awareness lead to a surge in visitors, or is this station destined to remain a silent outpost in the rail network? Stay tuned for updates on this pressing issue.
