Every industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and every industry is working on its recovery plan: the railways are no exception.

With an indication of the easing of restrictions and the beginning of a clear route out of lockdown, the future patterns of train travel are starting to emerge.

The latest statistics from the Department for Transport on rail use during the pandemic reinforce the picture we’ve seen in the last 12 months.

When the second lockdown in England ended at the start of December, use of National Rail was running at 25% of the normal pre-pandemic figure. That rose to as high as 33% as the Christmas shopping season got into full swing but has fallen back to about 15% for the last couple of months after the imposition of the latest lockdown.

Now we are being urged to get used to fewer trains even after the return to “normality”.

There is likely to be less of the traditional commuter rush-hour usage and more recreational journeys as people’s work and leisure patterns adjust – perhaps permanently – to the post-pandemic world.

Sir Peter Hendy, the chairman of Network Rail, suggested the working week might alter so much that commuter routes may see only one peak day a week.

That’s all very well but what’s important is that tickets and prices follow suit to reflect the new patterns of rail use. The terms “peak” and “off-peak” may need to be redefined to match flexible working hours and days.

The 9-5 Monday-Friday office routine is certain to be a casualty of the pandemic. Let’s hope the rail industry doesn’t stick to its rigid – and what will increasingly become outdated – fares and ticket structure.