Figures released yesterday show that rail passenger numbers are at their highest level for more than 40 years but that car use on Scotland's roads has also increased.

Bus passenger figures were up too according to Main Transport Trends, a compendium of previously released statistics for the year 2007, but Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson it was the increase in road traffic that showed the scale of the challenge facing the country.

Opening a new park and ride facility today in Stirling, the Minister said: "The rises in rail and bus passenger numbers are very encouraging and show that more and more people across the country are taking advantage of public transport for business and for leisure.

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"Public transport can offer a more cost effective option than the car, is better for the environment, and can be a lot less stressful, removing the frustration associated with the daily commute by car.

"We want to see more Scots make the switch - leaving the car at home in favour of rail, bus, cycling and walking, and we are providing more opportunities through, for example the £15m sustainable travel communities project we launched earlier this month. That will see bike rental schemes, car free zones, better cycling and walking routes, and free public transport trial passes provided in selected areas.

"We are beginning to see progress, but with today's figures also revealing that there were more vehicles on our roads in 2007, there is a challenge facing us all as we seek to persuade people to consider more sustainable travel choices.

"Facilities like the new park and ride scheme I am opening today in Stirling make a real difference, and as a Government we are also investing significantly in public transport to improve journey times and the travel experience for all passengers."

(GK/JM)