It is critical that Train Operating Companies have a clear understanding of the markets they serve in order to inform and support changes being made.  This is of particular importance given the intensive scrutiny over operating budgets arranged through the Annual Business Plan process.

Market Analysis can be used for short or long term planning: to help clarify a strategy, to justify an investment, or to support a full scale timetable re-write.

We have a wealth of experience and understanding to build a comprehensive market analysis.  Our team includes a mix of technical professionals and industry leaders who possess strong analytical capabilities, coupled with knowledge of a variety of industry data sources, and a depth of understanding of the UK rail market from both a commercial and operational perspective.

Example projects include:

• Input to Greater Anglia's Great Eastern and West Anglia timetable re-writes:  As part of the replacement of their entire fleet with new faster trains, GA had an opportunity for a complete rewrite of their timetable.  WPA produced market analysis including: a full review of the most profitable parts of the GA network / the wider benefits that could be expected from some of the less profitable rural routes; benchmarking against service offering of comparable markets; a review of the first class offering and the financial implications of it; passenger satisfaction scores; and the key travel times of commuters (to support the design of the peak timetable).

• Oversaw the initiation and production of GBR Transition Team’s Periodic Rail Industry Market Report (PRIMR).  During the Covid pandemic, demand in the railways was uncertain, and the PRIMR provided detailed analysis of revenue trends across the rail industry. This was supported by daily and weekly flash reports.

• Chiltern Railways timetable re-write: With the remit to carry out a wholesale review and improvement of the current Chiltern timetable, WPA were embedded within the client team and produced the market review including railheading analysis to understand the potential impact of the Crossrail timetable.

• Technical advisor to DfT for remapping study:  WPA produced a review of passenger satisfaction to attempt to gain insight into fares competition, impact of poor performance and the benefits of devolution to help inform remapping options.

• Support to Greater Anglia Annual Business Plan for 21/22, 22/23 23/24 including providing supporting evidence for timetable enhancements and cost saving initiatives.

• Franchise bid support:  WPA staff have produced numerous market reviews which formed the foundation of bid strategies, covering reviews of ticket sales, local demographics, economy, crowding, fares, 1st class markets, railheading, modal competition, passenger satisfaction etc...