PASSENGER numbers on the Tamar Valley Line, which links Plymouth, Bere Ferrers, Bere Alston, Calstock and Gunnislake, are up by 18% so far this year.

Figures released by train operator First Great Western show that 48,800 journeys were made on the scenic branch line in the first 16 weeks of 2009 — 7,400 or 18% more than in the same period last year. 

Branch line use during this period has increased by more than 50% since 2004 when  32,200 journeys were made.

The rise in Tamar Valley Line passenger numbers follows the increase in the number of trains from eight to nine a day on weekdays in December.

The Tamar Valley Line and the region's other five rural branch lines are promoted by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, a partnership of local authorities, the rail industry and the University of Plymouth. 

Its manager, Richard Burningham, said: 'These excellent figures show that more and more people are finding the train a great way to get around for work or leisure, with great value local fares and the best ever train service running on the Tamar Valley Line and the other five lines too.'

Julian Crow, First Great Western's general manager for the West of England, said:  'We've been working away quietly over the past year to make substantial improvements to the Devon and Cornwall branch line services, with better timetables, refurbished trains and reliable performance, and it's great to see so many more people taking a ride on these wonderfully scenic routes. 

'With more holidays being taken at home, we're heading for a record year on our local railways in 2009.'

Nigel Blackler, head of transportation at Cornwall Council, said they were 'very pleased' with the latest branch line passenger figures, which bore testimony to the invaluable work performed by the partners of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership. 

'The increase in patronage demonstrates that for many people rail can provide a sustainable alternative to car-based travel and underlines the importance of branchlines in connecting Cornwall's rural communities,' Mr Blackler said.