Key themes and conclusions

Resident Survey Summary

Respondents to the resident survey indicated that there is currently a reliance on private cars for all journey purposes. 82% (n=145) of respondents noted that they travelled to their place of work or education by car. Across all the destinations that respondents travelled to for personal business/leisure, car was the mode of choice by over 75%.

86% (n=305) of respondents indicated that they do not currently use the rail network but 42% (n=129) of this group noted that they would like to travel to destinations served by rail but are currently unable to. The key reasons given for not currently using the rail network were the convenience of the private car and the limited public transport connections to/from the rail station at both their origin and destination.

Of the 13% (n=47) of respondents who indicated that they do currently use the rail network, 67% (n=32) noted that they access the station by car. Berwick-upon-Tweed was the most popular station. These respondents were satisfied with train journey times, the availability of seats on services, on-board comfort and reliability of services. However, they were dissatisfied with the time of the first and last service, parking availability at stations and the frequency of services.

Overall, 40% (n=141) of respondents indicated that they plan to use the new rail link at Reston and a further 22% (n=77) indicated that they were unsure whether they would use the new rail link. Interestingly, respondents highlighted that they expected the majority of journeys that they would carry out using the rail link would be for leisure purposes.

Visitor Survey Summary

71% (n=73) of respondents to the survey visited East Berwickshire at least once a year and, as such, were deemed to be ‘regular visitors’. 64% (n=46) of this group indicated that they travel to the area for a day trip. The beaches in the area were the key attractor for visitors, followed by historic sites. In terms of spend in the area, 57% (n=42) indicated that they spend £50 or less on their trip to East Berwickshire. 25% (n=18) noted that they spend over £100.

The majority, 77% (n=56), of regular visitors indicated that they travel to the area by car. A further 17% (n=12) of this group noted that they travel to the area by a combination of train and bus. Respondents were asked to highlight any issues that they encountered when travelling to the area. 31% (n=18) of the group noted that the lack of direct rail service in the area was a significant issue, 30% (n=17) noted that the lack of real time information at bus shelters was a significant issue and 30% (n=16) indicated that generally the bus services in the area was a significant issue.

Of the 29 ‘non-visitors’ who completed the survey, 19% (n=6) noted that they don’t visit East Berwickshire because there is no rail link. 21% (n=7) also indicated that they don’t visit as they don’t have access to their own vehicle. Essentially a lack of travel choice/option accounted for 40% of those who do not visit the area.

53% (n=39) of the regular visitors indicated that they would be very likely or likely to visit East Berwickshire more often as a result of the new rail link. Additionally, 48% (n=14) of the non-visitors indicated that they would be very likely or likely to visit the area with the new rail link in place.

Business Survey Summary

Of the 100 businesses that responded to the survey, 68% (n=68) were aware of the rail link opening. 46% (n=46) noted that, once open, Reston would be the closest rail link to their business.

Generally, businesses noted that the advantages to operating in the area included the high quality of life living in the area and the fact that there are few competitors. The disadvantages cited were poor public transport links, limited business opportunities due to rurality and difficulties attracting and retaining staff. The businesses also noted that the majority of their key market, suppliers and competitors are located either elsewhere in the Scottish Borders or in the North of England.

Once again, the survey results indicated a reliance on car travel with over half of businesses noting that over 75% of their employees currently drive to work. 24% (n=24) of the businesses agreed that the new station would enable them to expand their business, 31% (n=31) agreed that when the station is open, they will be able to expand their customer base and 28% agreed that the opening of the station will lead to an increase in turnover.

On the other hand, 86% of respondents disagreed that the reopening of the station will make it more difficult to retain staff, 85% disagreed that when the station reopens they will have to take on more staff, 82% disagreed that they would increasingly use suppliers form different areas as a result of the station opening and 81% disagreed that they will rely on local customers when the station opens.

Counterfactual Survey Summary

Overall, 39% (n=40) respondents to the counterfactual survey noted that they were dissatisfied with the current public transport services with respect to their household’s needs. When asked to indicate the main factors which influence their satisfaction with public transport, respondents indicated that frequency, availability of services, reliability and length of operating day were the most important factors. In total, 74% (n=75) of respondents noted that if public transport services in their area improved, their household would be more likely to use them.

Just over half of the respondents drove to their place of work or education, while 32% travelled by bus. Car/van was also the most popular mode choice when travelling for personal business and leisure. Where rail travel was used, it was predominately for trip to Edinburgh.