It would be up to the train companies to consult with the local authorities

Deborah Fines, Railtrack

"We have got the line to the point where it is operational for freight, but they would have to upgrade signalling and put in passing loops.

"We are busy running a port - we are not in the passenger business."

The port company says the existing freight trains could cut 100,000 lorry journeys from the area's roads, by switching cargo to rail.

Platforms still exist along the line, which runs through Bedminster and down the Avon Gorge to Pill, Portishead and Avonmouth - passing close to the Bristol Rovers football stadium.

Traffic intolerable

The line runs into Temple Meads station at Bristol - which would still leave most commuters with a bus or taxi ride into the city centre.

The trains are run by the EWS rail company, which only runs freight trains.

Only freight trains run on the Portbury line

The Gordano Councils Transport Group - representing eight parishes west of the city - says rail companies have expressed interest in running passenger trains.

The group says new developments in Portbury and Portsihead have made congestion on the A369 intolerable.

Deborah Fine of Railtrack said: "It would be up to the train companies - in particular First Great Western and Wessex Trains - to consult with the local authorities.

"We are not aware of any aspirations by the train companies to run trains on this route.

"We would certainly be happy to look at the proposals if they are supported by the local authorities and train companies."

She said Railtrack would review the work needed on the line at that stage.

The Portbury line was reopened in December, when Transport Minister John Speller joined 150 people on a steam train journey through the gorge from Bristol's Parson Street station to Royal Portbury Dock.