Sunday train trial a success
A trial which has seen Sunday train services doubled in number has been branded as ‘very encouraging’.
The first pilot half-hourly Sunday rail service between Exmouth and Exeter has been well received by passengers, says a spokesman for the line’s users.
A count of passengers on the first Sunday of the six-week trial has been hailed as a success.
Tony Day, chairman of the Avocet Line Rail Users Group (ALRUG) said: “Our figures show that the new trains in the timetable were used right from the start, with a significant overall increase in the number travelling, compared to the previous week when the service was only every hour. Passengers we spoke to very much welcome a more frequent service – and hope, like us, that a successful pilot will result in this becoming permanent.”
The trial has been made possible by Community Rail funding, with further support from Devon County Council.
You may also want to watch:
First Great Western will run additional trains each Sunday from November 18 to December 23 to give a half hourly service between 10am and 6pm.
Lympstone and Halsdon county councillor Bernard Hughes was on hand to “flag away” an additional train with a borrowed green flag.
Most Read
- 1 Man left with serious injures after crash on Woodbury Common
- 2 Judges and lawyers pay tribute to 'simply the best' Anna
- 3 Drink spiking crackdown after needle attack - Devon Police
- 4 Property supply continues to be an issue as we approach the end of the year
- 5 Tributes to man who saw town's marina through transition
- 6 Lifeboat crew plan bumper fireworks display fundraiser
- 7 Early detection increases chances of successful treatment
- 8 John and Grace run for the heart
- 9 Who blinked first? A defining moment in humanity's existence
- 10 Blooming marvellous for Madeira bowls
Cllr Hughes, chairman of the Devon and Exeter Rail Project Working Party, said “These extra trains running through to St David’s will make connections with the main line much easier – as well as benefitting Christmas shoppers in Exmouth and Exeter.
“If the trial proves successful then Devon will work with the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, ALRUG and the train operating company to consider further such improvements. Our aim is to see enhanced rail capacity across the Exeter travel to work area.”
The additional train services are being part funded by the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Association of Community Rail Partnerships through the Designated Community Rail Development Fund.
