An average of 64 passengers per day used the service in its first 18 days, according to VLine figures.

"This patronage augers well to be able to grow the service and that I hope that additional services will be added as demand grows in the future," Mr Howard added.

"Already we see around 40 people using it every morning. This is a great result and demonstrates that the people of Maryborough have embraced the return of the passenger rail service."

Mr Howard said the project was providing a valuable link for the communities of Maryborough and Creswick.

"Next year we look forward to the opening of the Clunes station," he said.

"This is a great achievement and the Brumby government is delighted to work with the community to ensure they get the service they deserve."

Based on the first 18 days of service from July 25 to August 13, the number of total passengers on the morning service from Maryborough was 613.

This provided a daily average of 34 passengers. The total passengers on the evening service to Maryborough was 538, a daily average of 30 passengers.

The total overall average daily patronage was 64 passengers.