Shows what happens when a passenger line re-opens!

[rjhowie]

In the last few years the branch line from Stirling to Alloa was re=opened having been closed in the 1990's The track was re-laid and it was estimated that the potential passenger numbers would be around 160,000 annually. This turned out to be a nice estimate but wrong as it is now over 400,000. There is a passing amusing side to this success. It seems that the track is to be completely rebuilt even after such a short time span and the reason being quoted is that the former trackbed lying for so long had become more damp than expected (?). Makes a change from when railways said there were things like too many leaves on lines and so on!

 

[magickmaker]

We have something similar going on here in Utah with the Frontrunner. When built they didn't expect much ridership. Now, they've purchased new cars from Bombardier, as well as a crap ton of old NJ transit cars to supplement the existing stock. Even with all that they're still barely keeping up with the riders. It's projected in the next few years to move past Provo and Ogden, with trackwork already being done on the latter.

 

[rjhowie]

Amongst re-openings up here in the northern part of the Kingdom, Larkhall branch re-opening was another thundering success stroy. Thankfully again the old trck bed was still there so a big help. It is lectrified as links to the Greater Glasgow Suburban services. Beyond Larkhall there were some in the small town of Stonehouse who wre miffed about not being extended to them even though like Larkhall the bed is still there. Only trouble with that is that the same usage wouldn't be the case.