Analysis by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) suggests strong growth in the number of passengers using rail transportation.

The research reports a passenger growth of 17 per cent between 2008-09 and 2012-13.

Yet the findings also suggest the strong growth is down to an increase in cheaper tickets. In the same five-year period, advance tickets rose by 71 per cent. Trips made on off-peak tickets also increased by 23 per cent in volume.

Chief executive of ATOC Michael Roberts said: "This shift in behaviour helps explain how rail travel has continued to thrive in recent years."

The data comes after a previous statement from ATOC suggested train companies are now net contributors, going from receiving £1.4 billion between 2001 and 2002 to paying £256 million between 2012 and 2013.

ATOC's figures also claim that the UK has experienced journey growth of 49 per cent, much higher than France (31 per cent) and Germany (14 per cent), potentially giving the UK one of the strongest increasing rail infrastructures in Europe.