The number of people using railway stations in the North East has fallen.
In recent years the North East has seen significant growth – up from 2.8 million in 2004/05 to more than 6 million in 2014/15. However the figures for 2016/17 now show a fall to 4.93 million.
Each of the North East’s stations saw a reduction in passenger number. Dyce dropped 22% and Aberdeen by 12% (to 3.06 million).
Much of the decline will be as a result of the contraction in the oil and gas industry and the local economy generally.
Locally, the number of people using Portlethen station fell from 56,324 in 2015/16 to 45,936 in 2016/17.
Stonehaven saw its footfall drop from 535,698 to 504,750.
A report to the Nestrans board later today says that whilst the figures are disappointing, it should be recognised that they still represent the sixth highest patronage figures for North East stations since records began, returning to levels similar to 2011/12.
The reports also says: “With significant investment currently being carried out to upgrade the Aberdeen-Inverness line, including dualling the track between Aberdeen and Inverurie; developing a new station at Kintore; the proposal for a cross-Aberdeen service with greater frequencies at many stations; and major new rolling-stock developments, rail passengers will see a step change improvement in service over the next few years.”
Obviously the reason for this is the lack of trains going to our stations. If the trains were more suitable to people’s work and lifestyles then I’m sure they would be used so much more.
Can’t help but be cynical in thinking that they’re doing this deliberately so they can then close down the stations.
You are right to be suspicious, but on this occasion the number of trains stopping at stations is set to increase dramatically within the next year, thanks to the Scottish Government’s Revolution in Rail. It will mean hourly commuter services stopping at all stations between Montrose and Inverurie. The details have yet to be announced, but that’s good news. Kintore railway station is due to reopen at the same time.