by Alan Quick

AN HOURLY train service on the Tarka Line from Crediton to Exeter and beyond, as well as Crediton having a staffing presence, plus solutions to avoid overcrowding of trains at peak times have been suggested by a local campaign group.

The Tarka Rail Association (TRA), at its Annual General Meeting on April 28, formally unveiled a 10-year Strategy for the line.

Short-term suggestions, between now and 2019, by the association include the need for additional passenger carrying capacity, additional early and late trains, extending the Barnstaple line trains to Axminster, meeting demand for through trains to London, reducing the Barnstaple to Exeter journey time to 55 minutes or less, intermediate station platform extensions, car parking provision at Copplestone and Umberleigh, information screens at Eggesford, Umberleigh and Copplestone stations and special winter fares offers.

In the longer-term, until 2025, aims are for a twice hourly daytime service, an interim peak hour/shopping service from Crediton to Exeter or Cranbrook, six-coach trains at periods of peak demand, an hourly Sunday service, enlarging Barnstaple station, ticket vending machines, the introduction of rail-borne freight and staff at the third most used station, Crediton, to assist passengers with ticket enquiries.

The association’s report says that the current timetable for the line is the best ever, with 14 return journeys Monday to Saturday (15 on Fridays) and seven on Sundays, yet adds there is severe overcrowding on certain trains, not just in the summer.

Former TRA Chairman John Phillips, the document’s author, noted that circumstances have changed on the line.

He explained: “There has been ‘a step change’ in passenger usage since the TRA originally set out its Strategy in 2013, and it’s abundantly clear that the railway has a vital role to play in the economic growth of North Devon. We are now in reality a secondary main-line.”

Yet, despite commitments contained in the current Great Western Railway (GWR) franchise, the Association believes that “there is still quite a way to go. With the Department for Transport now considering what rail franchises to award, it’s essential the TRA makes its views known to the Minister, to franchise bidders and to the other stakeholders.”

In the longer-term the TRA says it could see 1.4 million passenger journeys a year by 2025 according to official projections provided by Network Rail and GWR.

The Strategy cites future house building plans for the increase in need for the line, including, at Crediton (570 dwellings), and Copplestone, where, it adds, Mid Devon District Council is considering additional housing sites, one of which would adjoin the proposed Mid Devon Parkway station car park.

PASSENGERS FORCED TO STAND

The Strategy says that it is not uncommon for passengers to be forced to stand for an hour or more, often among large quantities of luggage and buggies.

It says that there is also very limited capacity for the carriage of cycles, surfboards and other bulky items on these trains despite TripAdvisor’s 2015 survey having voted Woolacombe in North Devon as the Best Beach in the UK.

The Strategy says that the Tarka Line is single track with just two passing places - at Crediton and Eggesford.

It says the maximum line speed is 70mph although there are many stretches below this, such as 55mph north of Copplestone and 60mph north of Umberleigh.

Apart from the lack of passing places, the other constraints include Salmon Pool and Umberleigh level crossings, Penstone bridges and other bridges where track is mounted on longitudinal timbers all of which have an impact on line speeds.

It says that it is because of the timbers that there is a 30mph limit north of Coleford junction for locomotive hauled trains.

OKEHAMPTON LINE

The proposal that Okehampton as a destination for a through service along part of the line from Exeter is included.

It says that, at present, various studies are identifying how this may be achieved in the future, including as part of a diversionary route for when there is disruption along the coastal route.

However, the report states: “Given the dire economic situation in the town (Okehampton) and the need for residents to access the Exeter jobs market, a direct service to and from the city is seen as a possibility, albeit probably with a limited service, initially until demand builds.”

The TRA says it has been vigorous in pursuit of its goals, its chairman having met face-to-face with Rail Minister Claire Perry twice in the past year and with Network Rail Chief Executive Mark Carne.

The 28-page document of aspirations for service and station developments is a revised version of the Strategy published in 2013.

It can be viewed on the Association’s website: www.tarkarail.com .

How would you like to see rail services improved on the Tarka Line?

Share your views with fellow “Courier” readers.

Write a letter, suitable for publication, to: The Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .