In a hard-hitting report released today the Tarka Rail Association (TRA), a volunteer group dedicated to improved rail service on the 39-mile route between Exeter and Barnstaple, makes a number of key demands. Among them:

The expansion of the current hourly train service to 18 hours a day, and the provision of a late-night train from Exeter to Barnstaple departing at around 23:00.

Enhancements to the track to achieve Barnstaple - Exeter journey times of less than one hour while maintaining the current station stopping pattern.

The provision of more modern Class 150/153 three-car trains to improve passenger comfort and to boost seating capacity on the route, which today carries 90% more passengers that it did in 2001.

The 18-page TRA report comes in response to a Network Rail Route Utilisation Strategy document issued for consultation in September.

TRA Chairman John Phillips is keen to emphasize the vital role that a local voluntary group can play by responding constructively to network and corporate planners. "We have an unrivalled knowledge of the issues that most affect passengers day-to-day, and we see it as our job to make sure the planners are fully aware of passenger needs and concerns that otherwise might go unnoticed," explains John.

"We view our report very much as part of a cooperative process," adds John. "The Tarka Line has experienced greater passenger growth than any other route in the West of England. A collaborative effort between all the major stakeholders -- Network Rail, First Great Western, Devon County Council and, in particular, the passengers who ride the line and whom we represent -- is crucial to the line's future success."

CONTACTS:

JOHN PHILLIPS (TRA CHAIRMAN)
(01363) 84221
j.phillips142@btinternet.com

ALAN CLARK (TRA PROJECT OFFICER)
(01363) 84874
alan@almatan.plus.com

 

There is no doubt that the advance planning visit undertaken by representatives of First Great Western, TravelWatch SouthWest, First Devon and Cornwall and the Tarka Rail Association delivered substantial dividends as regards running times and pick up/drop off points, and we hope that similar visits, involving representatives of the Association, will be made before the arrangements for future road replacement services are finalised.

There was very positive feedback from customers to the initiative to continue operating trains between Crediton and Exeter Central/St Davids, thereby avoiding the 'slow and unreliable' road journey between Crediton and Exeter city centre.

The rail: bus/coach transfer arrangements at Crediton worked very smoothly - customers particularly appreciated the buses/coaches picking-up adjacent to the northbound platform and setting-down adjacent to the southbound platform, which made the transfer quick and easy, and it was pleasing to see ticket checks being undertaken on trains between Crediton and Exeter St Davids and at Barnstaple for departing passengers.

March 2010

The road replacement operation was well managed and supervised by the  First Devon and Cornwall representative - their drivers were deployed to meet every arriving train, direct customers to the correct vehicle and assist with luggage. The use of three Optare Solo low-floor vehicles on the four minibus diagrams between Barnstaple and Crediton was particularly appreciated by people with disabilities and parents with pushchairs.

We hope that similar arrangements will be made for future line closures, when all the work by Network Rail is being undertaken north of Crediton.

Coaches awaiting a Barnstaple bound train

Figures have just been released by the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership for passenger usage on the Tarka Line during the first four months of this year which indicate further growth over and above previous years.

Given a good summer we could be looking at a record figure of 400,000 journeys on the line this year.

May 2010