Talyllyn Railway has been celebrating a boom year – with passenger numbers soaring by 9% to above the 48,500 mark.
Furthermore, revenue in the cafe and shop rose approximately 20% and 7% respectively year-on-year.
According to marketing officer Daniel King, there were many reasons for the growth, which has followed in the wake of a review of the offering in the retail and catering outlets, as well as enhanced community engagement.
Daniel said: “We are now stocking a range of locally-made gifts and produce in the shop.
“Our cafe menu has been developed too – it’s now a taste of Wales with a twist. Our sell-out Sunday roasts have three sittings each week. We’ve sourced our meat from a local butcher – customers have responded positively to the increase in quality.”
The introduction of the Local Resident’s Discount Card has proved extremely popular too. Issued free on application by residents in the three closest postcodes, the card provides 20% off timetabled train fares, 10% off in the shop and 10% off food and drink in the line’s two cafes.
Daniel added: “Local people are coming to us for meals. Wharf station has become a true community hub – a range of social groups are using our function room. Some of them enjoy meals as part of that and others have refreshments.”
Railway Reads
From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.Get The Railway Hub Weekly Round-up
Enter your e-mail address below and you will receive weekly rail news straight into your inbox...You can unsubscribe at any time.
About the Author
01507 529529 | NDevereux@Mortons.co.uk
- Dinmore and more and more! - 20th October 2020
- Centenarian cameraman: Ron Buckley – Britain’s Oldest Railway Photographer:Part Two - 13th October 2020
- Delivering a bigger, better railway for Scotland - 6th October 2020