THE Tamar Valley Line has been named as one of the top ten fastest growing branch lines in Britain.

According to new figures published by the Association of Train operating Companies (ATOC), passengers made 169,388 journeys on the 14-mile long Plymouth-Gunnislake line between April 2010 and March 2011 — an increase of 21.8% on the numbers seen during the same period in 2007 and 2008. This gave the line ninth place in the branch line league table.

Richard Burningham, manager of the Plymouth University based Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, which works to promote the line, said: 'I am delighted that the Tamar Valley Line is one of Britain's top ten fastest growing branch lines. More and more local people and visitors are taking to the trains, and long may this continue. We certainly intend to do all we can to make sure it does.'

Passenger numbers have increased every year since 2003, thanks partly to the Tamar Valley Line Carnet scheme introduced by the partnership in 2004 and the extra ninth train added to the timetable from 2008.

The Carnet scheme, offering books of discounted single tickets to and from Plymouth, are sold in seven shops and post offices in the Tamar Valley. These now account for a fifth of all journeys made.

Cllr Robin Musgrave, the Bere Ferrers ward councillor for West Devon Borough Council, welcomed the news: 'The Tamar Valley line provides an essential service to people living on the Bere Peninsula. Commuters travelling to work and young people going to school are able to enjoy the benefits of getting in and out of Plymouth centre in 20 minutes on the picturesque line.

'There has been a noticeable increase in the number of visitors to the peninsula this year and it's good to see the facilities of the area being enjoyed by adults and children alike. A reliable train service on our scenic line is hugely valued by both those who live here, and visitors.'

Julian Crow, First Great Western regional manager west, said he was delighted his company had six out of the top ten branches for growth.

'This is a shining example of the way in which careful investment and partnership to improve the rail network can produce huge benefits to our customers and to the local economy. We will continue to work with local councils, community rail partnerships and our passengers to ensure our branch lines maintain this remarkable success.

'Since we took over the franchise we've really gone the extra mile with these lines, to ensure they thrive, now and into the future.'

Edward Welsh, director of corporate affairs at ATOC, added: 'The resurgence of many of these lines is good news for rural economies. Having a rail link that brings hundreds of thousands of people a year into towns and villages helps to ensure vibrant and thriving rural economies.'