Bringing back the rail link between Aberdeen, Fraserburgh and Peterhead is to be explored in a new analysis of transport in the north east.
The North East of Scotland Transport Partnership (Nestrans) is to consult on how to improve transport links.
Among the options, the group is seeking public opinion on the reinstatement of a rail service.
Business owners have this week been surveyed on the benefits of the rail link and asked what benefits it would bring and where they would like the link to run.
Last night, the deputy chairman of Nestrans, Councillor Peter Argyle, said the survey could form part of a business case for the reintroduction of a railway.
“The remit is to look at the whole corridor and come forward with solutions,” he added.
“It is a genuine look into the issues, bearing in mind, of course, that putting in a railway to even from Aberdeen up to Ellon is hugely expensive. So, whatever happens, we need to have a very robust business case for any changes. The survey is a very important part of the process.
“Nestrans does not have a view on what the favoured option is.”
Earlier, Aberdeenshire councillor Martin Ford said the survey could help to strengthen the case for the return of a rail line from Dyce to Ellon.
Mr Ford said: “There is no doubt we need better public transport to cut road congestion and the emissions which are causing climate change.
“Reinstating rail services on part of the Formartine and Buchan line does look a potentially achievable option that would undoubtedly bring considerable benefits.”
The launch of the Nestrans study comes after Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee backed an investigation into the feasibility of restoring a modern rail service in the Buchan area.
Such a line would link Peterhead and Ellon through Maud, currently a popular walking route along the decommissioned tracks.
Passenger services ceased in the 1960s and the line was closed to goods trains in 1979.
However, in March, the Press and Journal revealed an ambitious project to reinstate the Aberdeen to Ellon railway line could be packaged into a proposed £2.9billion City Region deal for the area.