The case for reinstating a railway service linking Buchan towns to Aberdeen was last night branded “excellent” after record numbers were found to be using an already refurbished line.
Laurencekirk Station officially re-opened in May 2009 and it was estimated it would attract 36,000 passengers per year.
That target was smashed in the first twelve months however when almost double jumped aboard. And six years on, more than 112,000 are using the line.
A former Transport Minister has now said that the case for re-opening railway stations in Banff and Buchan – which could include Fraserburgh and Peterhead – was in an “excellent” position.
Stewart Stevenson, MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, said: “These figures show a spectacular growth in rail passenger journeys in the north-east over the past decade.
“The investment in rolling stock and infrastructure and support for the railways from the Scottish Government has helped, but more and more people are coming to realise that for many journeys, rail offers convenience and comfort.
“Investment in our transport infrastructure – road and rail – is vital if we are to achieve the twin goals of improved connectivity to the rest of the country and also making our area more enticing for the people we need to attract to fill key vacancies in teaching and medicine.
“These figures make an excellent case for Buchan Rail.”
In October, regional transport body Nestrans revealed seven options that are being considered to improve links between Aberdeen and outlying towns.
One is the reopening of the railway from Dyce, north into the Buchan area.
The line could connect Ellon to Peterhead and Fraserburgh and communities have been lobbying for it to be brought back into use since Nestrans launched a strategic transport survey.
Peter Argyle, vice-chairman of Nestrans, has said that the transport body does not have a preferred option.
“Whatever happens, we need to have a very robust business case for any changes. The survey is a very important part of the process,” he said.