WEEKDAY trains are running on the Borders Railway today for the first time since 1969.
The £296 million line, which has been rebuilt from the outskirts of Edinburgh to Galashiels and Tweedbank, saw passenger-carrying services on Saturday, when holders of special 'golden tickets' had been able to try out the line, while public services began early on Sunday, with queues reported at the terminus of Tweedbank.
The 48km line has been the subject of controversy, with campaigners unhappy that parts of the route were restored as single track, which will limit capacity. Simon Walton, who chairs the Campaign for Borders Rail, warned that the track layout did not leave a 'great margin for error' if services were delayed.
The line now has trains every half hour during weekdays, calling at eight stations. The complete journey from Tweedbank to Edinburgh via Galashiels and Stow takes less than an hour.
The Scottish Government says the new link will boost the economy of the Borders region. Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown said: “The Borders Railway is now open for business! Many people have waited a very long time to hear those words and I am proud and excited to be able to say them.
“The communities along the route have now been able to experience their new railway with a party to remember, and from today they will be able to make it a part of their everyday lives."
ScotRail Alliance managing director Phil Verster said: “Today heralds a new era of opportunity for the Borders and for the whole of Scotland. This is the first of many major infrastructure and service improvements that will transform the railway in our country.
“New trains will mean more seats, faster journey times and appealing ticket offers. A programme of refurbishment will enable customers to enjoy amazing scenic routes, like the Borders, from the comfort of modern, well equipped trains. And new partnerships with local authorities, and business and community organisations will deliver a railway that connects people from door to destination.”
Her Majesty the Queen will set the seal on the route when she formally reopens it on Wednesday. The date has been chosen because on that day the length of her reign will exceed that of Queen Victoria, who has been the longest reigning British monarch since her death in 1901.
Tweedbank may not be the end of the line forever, because there are calls for trains to continue eventually from there over the rest of the former Waverley route to Hawick and Carlisle.