A new report has outlined the recent growth achieved along the Whitby to Middlesbrough line, as well as a series of recommendations for future development of the line.
The ‘new beginning’ report, commissioned by the Esk Valley Railway Development Company and produced by specialist transport consultants Stantec, finds that each of the five daily services along the Whitby to Middlesbrough line carry significantly more passengers than many other lines across the country with better-supported services.
The report also shows that ridership has grown by 49%, more than the national average. Latest official figures show that use of Great Ayton Station grew by 23% in the last year alone, emphasising the increasing role of the line as part of the Tees Valley rail network.
However, the report also states that despite these encouraging figures, the line has a limited service compared to others on the Northern network and in other parts of the country, and there is more to be done to improve the service.
The CRP has outlined a series of priorities and recommendations needed to ensure the service meets the needs of local communities and contributes to further growth of tourism and social regeneration in the area.
Read the full report here.
Find out more about Northern’s work in the community here.
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Esk Valley Railway Development Company via their website.