Train passenger numbers on the rise at stations across the Derwent Valley Line

The passenger figures show continued growth during 2014/15 with the most notable annual increase being 14% at Cromford.

This impressive figure, combined with the passenger growth during the previous year, means Cromford passenger journeys have actually increased by over 25% in just two years.

Matlock and Belper, the busiest stations on the line have also shown continued strong growth with increases of nine per cent and nine per cent respectively.

Passenger journeys on the Derwent Valley Line have increased dramatically in recent years, a fact highlighted in the In the 2015 ‘Value of Community Rail Partnerships’ report which identified the Derwent Valley Line as one of the top performing routes in the country.

Councillor Irene Ratcliffe, Chair of the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership said: “I am very pleased that the work of the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership to create attractive station environments and improved marketing of the line is continuing to help bring more passengers to the railway.

“Both local people and visitors are realising that the reliable and regular train service on the Derwent Valley Line offers a great alternative to travelling by car.”

Jonny Wiseman, Route General Manager North for East Midlands Trains, said: “The continued growth in the Derwent Valley line is fantastic news for the local communities and businesses along the route.

“Working closely with the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership we have made improvements to many of the stations along the route.

“We look forward to the continued growth of the Derwent Valley Line and working with our local partners to provide an excellent train service which our customers can rely on.”

Station Growth % (2014/15 v 2013/14):

AMBERGATE -2.88%

BELPER - 8.86%

CROMFORD - 14.03%

DUFFIELD - 3.53%

MATLOCK - 11.16%

MATLOCK BATH - 8.24%

WHATSTANDWELL - 2.70%

Total - 8.27%