Branch line service needs more capacity
A mainline railway station is the aspiration for North Devon to compensate for its network of mainly minor roads and its lack of a major sea port.
Laura Holt, sales and marketing manager of regeneration organisation North Devon+, recognised that such major capital expenditure was unlikely to happen in the near future, given the state of the economy, but said that this is what the area needs from the railway infrastructure.
"This area would benefit from more than a branch line. There are more people living in North Devon than in Newquay, but we only have a branch line," said Ms Holt, who said she would like to see a study carried out into the feasibility into extending the mainline from Tiverton.
At present, North Devon is served by the Tarka Line, a branch line service between Exeter and Barnstaple, As well as being popular with tourists, the route is also a popular service for commuters into Exeter with, at times, standing room only.
There have also been concerns about the age of the rolling stock used on the route and the time it takes to travel the 40 miles between Exeter and Barnstaple, with journey times ranging from an hour to an hour and 21 minutes.
6 Comments
by Brizz_Tony
Sunday, February 19 2012, 6:11PM
“Muchof the former line from Tivvy to Barnstaple is no taken by the link road. Sadly, it won't be back.”
by DIZZYLIZ123
Saturday, February 18 2012, 2:54PM
“only 2 days ago i suffered the Tarka Line (9.43) where even ALL the standing room was taken, it is a disgrace with the population level there is in this area. My Tarka Line experience is rarely a good one but so many of us DO want to use thr train service. Who is listening, we ALL need to make more noise, but it is true it will be many years yet before a decent service is provided to our little corner of devon.”
by Joannah
Saturday, February 18 2012, 8:22AM
“Can never understand why, instead of Guy Fawkes, we don't burn Beeching on November 5. His vandalism becomes ever more apparent.”
by hstmtu4000
Friday, February 17 2012, 10:24PM
“Given that they cant even sort out the historically slow and sinuous main line from Exeter to Plymouth in the relatively populous South Devon then a new line to Barnstaple has absolutely no chance.”
by mikegmdw
Friday, February 17 2012, 9:05PM
“Well of course there used to be a line from Barnstaple -Taunton which was closed in the '60's and there was never a direct link. The railway north from Tiverton went via Bampton and joined the Barnstaple - Tiverton line at Morebath Junction. Most of the track has reverted to farming and changes to roads would cost a fortune to build a new line and of course there's the problem of ownership and 'planning permission'. I just think it's too late now and the cost would be so prohibitive that it's unlikely a worthwhile business case could never be made (unfortunately) using the old route. So a new direct route or one that could interconnect with the Tarka line? See above for 'planning' and land ownership and of course the 'public enquiry' - if it's anything like the Okehampton bypass it took 25years +”
by accom
Friday, February 17 2012, 8:06PM
“A mainline between Tiverton and Barnstaple would be ideal, alongside the link road, as it's quite straight and fast, though a bit hilly. Then there could even be direct trains to London, the North and Scotland, just like there is from Exeter. Can't see that happening this century though.”