A study of the Borders Railway's second year has shown its "sustained, positive and measurable impact", according to Transport Minister Humza Yousaf.
He was responding to new research into the Edinburgh to Tweedbank line which opened in September 2015.
Mr Yousaf said it proved that communities were benefiting along the length of the route.
Danny Cusick of the Borders Railway Blueprint Group said it had provided job and investment opportunities.
The research was based on a survey carried out between August and September last year and passenger journey figures from September 2016 to September 2017.
Among its key findings were:
- overall travel on the line up 9.5% compared with year one
- the majority of commuters start or end their journey in Edinburgh
- 36,000 estimated car journeys saved annually
- evidence of the railway having an influence on people moving house or changing job
Mr Yousaf said: "The report is welcome evidence that Borders Railway continues to grow both in popularity and benefits to the local economy, not least with the increase in passengers numbers in the second year of service.
"It shows the railway is meeting its objectives by acting as a catalyst for investment while also enabling people to take up new opportunities."
source: BBC News