Dockyard Station (Plymouth) massive increase in passengers 2019/20?!?

[CptCharlee]

Whilst looking at passenger numbers for local stations in the Plymouth area I noticed a strange increase in numbers at dockyard station.

In 2018/19 passenger numbers were 4,406 to 10,368 in 2019/20. That's an increase of 5,962. More then double.

Surely something is off here or the way numbers were counted have changed. Any ideas?

 

[superjohn]

This page:

Estimates of station usage | ORR Data Portal

States ”These estimates are based primarily on ticket sales...”

With that in mind, the cynic in me can’t help thinking that some people have got wise to the cheapest ticket that will get them through the barriers at Plymouth when travelling further afield.

That or a loophole has been discovered that avoids time restrictions on fares to/from from Plymouth itself.

 

[JN114]

RN have been building / built new facilities at Devonport for the future Dreadnought Class Submarines, so while I too am fairly cynical as to the increase, there may be a genuine reason for it.

 

[irish_rail]

I haven't personally noticed any increase, however that's not to say it hasn't happened.
Regarding loopholes for the ticket barriers at Plymouth, surely Devonport would be the cheaper ticket, not Dockyard?.