Campaigns
Increased Train Capacity
Update from the Committee- after years of applying pressure on GWR and working closely with Mark Horwood MD the wait for extra capacity on our peak trains is getting closer. GWR have agreed with the Department for Transport to lease trains previously used between South Wales and Manchester to be transferred to Devon & Cornwall. The programme of rollout has started with train crew training between Exeter and Penzance for a launch in late Spring. The focus will be on the North Devon and Dartmoor lines with the aim for the autumn 2026. This will increase peak time capacity across the route by over 100 additional seats and should provide enough seats to cover the demand and have some head room for growth. As we get feedback from the local team at GWR we will update you on progress.
David Northey, Chair – January 2026
PS – in preparation for five car trains new signs are already appearing across the line
Greater Access
The chair and myself have been attending the working group run by Devon County Council on improving the bus connectivity at Barnstaple, which will see new bus shelters, right time information and new signage and road markings. This will make it easier and improve the offer to those making the vital link between train and bus. We understand that work will commence later this year and completed before the end of 2026.
We would like to see more first and last mile improvements across the line including at Eggesford and Credition and we are working with Devon CC and local parishes to improve the access to/from the station. If you are interested in supporting this campaign and want to get involved please get in touch via the contact link.
Alan Clark – January 2026
Improved Parking
Tony Hill and the President are working up a plan for improving access at Umberleigh station which acts as a railhead from Torrington to South Molton as well as surrounding villages and hamlets. The car park can get overwhelmed at times and thus puts people off relying on the railway. There are a number of options which we will be exploring during 2026 and we would like to hear your thoughts, how we could achieve , how we might find it and timescales. Please use the contact us link in this website
Tony Hill – January 2026
PS – There is a position available for liaison officer on the committee covering Chapleton, Umberleigh and Portsmouth Arms, if anyone is interested please contact us and help your community.
Better Connection
Campaigning for better connections at Exeter with services to and from London, Bristol, Birmingham and the North.
Work in progress and we would like to hear your connection problems and what could be improved.
Growth & Diversity
Work with the Community and Businesses to develop a long term strategy for the railway that delivers the service that we need to encourage growth, diversity and opportunities.
Our vice president Peter West has been working on a business case for growth on the North Devon line in connection with the expansion to Bideford and more details will follow shortly.
Peter West OBE – January 2026
Reaching Out
We encourage the lines users, businesses and communities to reach out and share your thoughts on the railway and over the last few months have engaged with Crediton Town Council, Mid Devon DC, Crediton Hamlets and Friends of Kings Nympton. We will be encouraging more engagement during 2026 from Barnstaple to Newton St Cyres and look forward to hearing from you.