RAIL usage in the south west decreased by 76.7% in 2020-21 compared with the previous year.

In total 12.1 million train journeys were made across the region in 2020-21, which equates to 23.3% of the 52.2 million trips made during 2019-20.

The south west recorded 7.6 million journeys internally last year, which is 28.7% of 2019-20 levels, and 4.5 million to or from other regions which was 82.4 less in 2020-21 compared with then year prior.

Dorset Echo: Regional rail usage across the UK, picture: The Office of Rail and Road

Most journeys were made to or from London which equated to 41.3% of trips.

The south east was the second most visited destination from or to the south west at 33% followed by Wales at 10.9% and the west Midlands at 7.2%.