PASSENGER numbers at Aberystwyth and Borth rose by 8,500 in 2016/17, official figures have revealed, while the use of Dovey Junction and Machynlleth stations was also up.

Statistics released by the Office of Rail and Road show that last year the two Ceredigion stations saw 391,832 entries or exits compared to 383,226 the previous year.

Aberystwyth is up by 5,500 to 327,334 while Borth is up to 64,498, a rise of 3,000 year on year.

The rise follows a jump last year following the introduction of extra hourly services along the Cambrian Line.

Officials are also expecting a further jump in usage with the planned reopening of the defunct Bow Street train station.

In Montgomeryshire, passenger numbers at Machynlleth rose by 2,500 taking it to 135,990 for 2016/17 and Dovey Junction was up by 300 to 4,084.

An Arriva Trains Wales spokesman said the rises were due to the fact that “with various improvements over the years we’re now running more trains than ever before on the Cambrian line.”

The passenger number rises came “despite some issues with flooding and snow” last winter, the company said.

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