Virgin Trains has had their best year to date in 2009 after the introduction of Virgin High Frequency (VHF). The service was launched on the 14th December 2008 and in their first full year they have handled 25.4 million customers to date, their best annual figures. This was largely due to the 30 per cent rise in frequency on the West Coast route and faster journey times than their competitors.

The total number of passengers has increased by 15 per cent over the year, which has been an excellent result for the train operator in the recession that has gripped the UK. Compared to air travel on London to Manchester routes they have accounted for up to 80 per cent of the market share and London to Glasgow has doubled to 17 per cent as the British public is turning their back on air travel in favour of rail.

Train routes from Birmingham and Manchester to London now have an average frequency of every 20 minutes and the journey time from Manchester has been as quick as just a little over two hours. Even though flying is faster, the added check-in time, security and the possibilities of delays has helped the train service gain momentum.

To make their services even more appealing there is also wireless internet available on routes and mobile phone reception has improved greatly so that business users are never far away from the office. Lounges have been opened up and refurbished at Crewe, Liverpool and London Euston to give more satisfaction to their growing number of customers.