Thetrainline.com has seen a 17% increase in corporate transaction volume in the past year following new business wins and contract renewals.
The average business transaction value decreased by 10% in the year to March, suggesting that travel managers are reviewing their policies rather than budgets and pushing hard to drive compliance, according to the online rail ticket distributor.
Other contributing factors in decline were the changes in the customer mix and buying habits.
A “significant number” of travellers traded down from first to standard class and opted for fixed time tickets rather than open-returns.
Sales and distribution director Adrian Watts said: "Given that our customer base is particularly strong in the financial sector, which bore the brunt of the recession, I am very pleased with a 17% increase in volume.
“Furthermore, since autumn we have seen signs of accelerated growth, fuelled by a recovery in business travel and a significant tranche of new wins.
“The fall in average transaction value is highly significant illustrating how much customers can reduce rail expenditure with the right travel policy and the leading rail booking system.
“Following the enhancements we’ve now made to the site, we’re hopeful the ATV will decrease again this time next year as clients that have been moved on to the improved site are already paying less per transaction.”
by Phil Davies
