The Chase rail line between Rugeley and Birmingham has seen a huge surge in passenger numbers – almost trebling at one station, new figures show.

The route, which includes Cannock, Hednesford and Walsall, is now showing the second highest passenger growth in the West Midlands.

The figures, released by the Office of Rail Regulation, represent a 15 per cent increase at Cannock station, 12 per cent at Rugeley Town and a massive 161 per cent at Rugeley Trent Valley where passengers rose from 20,324 to 53,028 last year.

Passengers at Cannock Station are up from 182,918 to 203,736.

The numbers, which also show a one per cent rise at Hednesford, compare 2008-09 and 2009-10.

Centro has now asked local authorities for extra money to help run the service beyond December.

Council bosses at Cannock have agreed to provide £27,000 over the next three years because of the line’s crucial link with Birmingham.

Centro has also asked Staffordshire County Council to share the costs based on an annual combined contribution of £53,000.

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