SVR General Discussion

One benefit of running diesel's is that I believe the operating costs for the railway are generally cheaper. The downside being that a certain percentage of the customers want and expect a ride behind a steam loco. Are there any figures from the SVR or other railways on the impact of passenger numbers when trains are not steam hauled. Do a significant percentage of passengers simply decide not to travel at all or do many simply try, where they can, to delay their visit until steam is operating again

 

I'd need to find the article, but a few years ago the NYMR was cited as saying passenger numbers went down by at least 50% whenever steam was stopped for lengthy dry periods. I'm certain another has more recently said they see a 70% drop in footfall, but can't remember which line that was at.

 

Consistently about 40% drop at NNR when diesels sub for steam during high fire risk spells.