FOR IMMEDIATE ISSUE

Derwent Valley Line Success Story Continues

The Derwent Valley Line success story continues with even more passengers using the service in the last 12 months.

The release of figures covering the 12 months to 31 March 2011 show a 13% increase in passenger journeys at local stations on the line compared to 2009/10. This continued increase in passenger journeys building on the substantial growth of recent years and means that there has been a 94% increase in passengers during the last 3 years. Passenger journeys having more than doubled in 3 years at Ambergate, Belper, Duffield and Matlock Bath.

This significant growth in passenger journeys has followed the success of the hourly train service between Matlock, Derby and Nottingham that was introduced in December 2008. The last 12 months has also seen continued increase in the number of trains running to time with an annual average of 93% of trains on time.

Councillor Garry Purdy, Chair of the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership said: “The train service has been a great success and the Partnership is really pleased to see more and more people using the service. Local people and visitors are realising that a reliable and regular train service exists for them in the Derwent Valley.”

David Horne, Commercial and Customer Service Director for East Midlands Trains, added: “We’re extremely pleased that the introduction of our hourly services, coupled with our significant improvements in punctuality, have resulted in such dramatic increases in passenger numbers. We know from feedback received that many people are now turning to the train as a reliable, convenient and easy way to beat the traffic, and it’s great news that passengers are benefiting from the improvements we have made.”

Ends

Editors Information

Passenger Journey Increases at local Derwent Valley Line Stations

1. 2010/11 compared to 2009/10

2010/11 PO1-13 / 2010/11 v 2009/10 % Growth
AMBERGATE / 10.60%
BELPER / 19.33%
CROMFORD / 30.05%
DUFFIELD / 23.54%
MATLOCK / 7.41%
MATLOCK BATH / -11.55%
WHATSTANDWELL / 39.76%
Totals / 12.85%

2. Passenger Journey Increase over 3 years 2010/11 compared to 2007/8

Passenger Journeys at Ambergate, Belper, Duffield and Matlock Bath have doubled in the 3 years.

2010/11 PO1-13 / 2010/11 v 2007/8 % Growth
AMBERGATE / 100.12%
BELPER / 103.30%
CROMFORD / 79.15%
DUFFIELD / 128.54%
MATLOCK / 79.79%
MATLOCK BATH / 102.98%
WHATSTANDWELL / 83.20%
Totals / 94.30%

The Derwent Valley Line train service between Matlock and Derby provides a fast means of travel, with a journey time of just 34 minutes from Matlock and 12 minutes from Belper to Derby.

The Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership works with East Midlands Trains and other stakeholders to develop and promote the Derwent Valley Line between Matlock and Derby. The Partnership includes Local Authorities, Parish and Town Councils, East Midlands Trains and other organisations, whose aims are to promote and develop the Derwent Valley Line for residents and visitors. The Partnership is managed by Derbyshire County Council.

For further information contact the Project Officer, Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership Derbyshire County Council, Environmental Services, County Hall Matlock DE4 3AG. 01629 538681 Mobile: 07887 832128

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