The original Devon County Metro Briefing from 2011 is available here:
http://www.devon.gov.uk/devon_metro_briefing.pdf
http://www.devon.gov.uk/devon_metro_briefing.pdf
Devon Metro
Devon Metro is a proposal from Devon County Council to develop the existing railway network based around Exeter into a County Wide Metro 'turn up and go' service.
Although predominantly focusing on Exeter, Plymouth would also benefit with more regular local services between Exeter and Plymouth and the proposed extension of the Tamar Valley line to Tavistock.
The next 10-15 years will be a time of rapid growth with 50% more dwellings planned for Exeter - including the new town of Cranbrook. In order for Exeter to compete with other cities in the UK and act as an economic hub for the rest of Devon and Torbay, it must have a transport system which offers high quality access to jobs, retail and leisure opportunities and the city centre.
The aim is to encourage people to use sustainable transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport instead of the
private car. There are opportunities to enhance the rail travel journey experience into Exeter which could facilitate
both economic growth and a reduction in carbon emissions.
The current situation:
Exeter is well served by rail with five train lines and eight stations. Patronage has grown above the national average – around 4% per annum over the last 10 years. On the Exmouth line for example, patronage increased by 40% between 2001 and 2009.
The success of rail travel into Exeter has led to overcrowding during peak periods on the Paignton, Barnstaple and Exmouth routes. This could affect the attractiveness of travelling by train.
With pressures on the Exeter road network there are opportunities to increase the number of areas served by rail. This would improve access to the city centre, reduce cross city car movements and connect to significant growth areas.
Rail has huge potential to offer an attractive, fast alternative to the car and was well supported in the public consultation. Rail passenger groups have said that the local rail network is “a priceless asset operating well below its potential”.
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Already delivered as part of this scheme has been new stations at Cranbrook and Newcourt.
Fairly certain to happen (at least as a trial):
Okehampton Daily Services
You've got people are trying to make happen - not guaranteed but still positive:
Tavistock Extension - being delivered by developers in Tavistock although the price has risen to £60m
You've got new stations being investigated:
Okehampton Parkway
Cullumpton
Marsh Mills or Plympton
Monkerton (Exeter)
Marsh Barton (Exeter)
Edginswell (Torquay)
(Marsh Barton and Edginswell both currently on hold due to lack of funding)
New Services:
Taunton to Exeter local service (calling at Wellington (new station), Tiverton Parkway and Cullumpton)
Enhanced Services:
Exmouth Line - 4 trains per hour. Would need additional passing loops at Monkerton and Lympstone.
Pipe Dream/Wishful Thinking:
Tavistock to Okehamton 'Missing Link'.
Okehamton to Bude
Barnstaple to Braunton (light rail service)
Barnstaple to Ilfracombe (including Braunton, Woolacombe)
Newton Abbot to Heathfield (and possibly Bovey Tracey and onwards to Moretonhampstead?)
Although predominantly focusing on Exeter, Plymouth would also benefit with more regular local services between Exeter and Plymouth and the proposed extension of the Tamar Valley line to Tavistock.
The next 10-15 years will be a time of rapid growth with 50% more dwellings planned for Exeter - including the new town of Cranbrook. In order for Exeter to compete with other cities in the UK and act as an economic hub for the rest of Devon and Torbay, it must have a transport system which offers high quality access to jobs, retail and leisure opportunities and the city centre.
The aim is to encourage people to use sustainable transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport instead of the
private car. There are opportunities to enhance the rail travel journey experience into Exeter which could facilitate
both economic growth and a reduction in carbon emissions.
The current situation:
Exeter is well served by rail with five train lines and eight stations. Patronage has grown above the national average – around 4% per annum over the last 10 years. On the Exmouth line for example, patronage increased by 40% between 2001 and 2009.
The success of rail travel into Exeter has led to overcrowding during peak periods on the Paignton, Barnstaple and Exmouth routes. This could affect the attractiveness of travelling by train.
With pressures on the Exeter road network there are opportunities to increase the number of areas served by rail. This would improve access to the city centre, reduce cross city car movements and connect to significant growth areas.
Rail has huge potential to offer an attractive, fast alternative to the car and was well supported in the public consultation. Rail passenger groups have said that the local rail network is “a priceless asset operating well below its potential”.
Already delivered as part of this scheme has been new stations at Cranbrook and Newcourt.
Fairly certain to happen (at least as a trial):
Okehampton Daily Services
You've got people are trying to make happen - not guaranteed but still positive:
Tavistock Extension - being delivered by developers in Tavistock although the price has risen to £60m
You've got new stations being investigated:
Okehampton Parkway
Cullumpton
Marsh Mills or Plympton
Monkerton (Exeter)
Marsh Barton (Exeter)
Edginswell (Torquay)
(Marsh Barton and Edginswell both currently on hold due to lack of funding)
New Services:
Taunton to Exeter local service (calling at Wellington (new station), Tiverton Parkway and Cullumpton)
Enhanced Services:
Exmouth Line - 4 trains per hour. Would need additional passing loops at Monkerton and Lympstone.
Pipe Dream/Wishful Thinking:
Tavistock to Okehamton 'Missing Link'.
Okehamton to Bude
Barnstaple to Braunton (light rail service)
Barnstaple to Ilfracombe (including Braunton, Woolacombe)
Newton Abbot to Heathfield (and possibly Bovey Tracey and onwards to Moretonhampstead?)
1 - 20 of 2941 Posts
Hill Barton Station
Funny how the 'Monkerton' station (later renamed 'Hill Barton') is in Devon County Council's Local Transport Plan and Exeter's Monkerton Masterplan, but you never here anything about actually building. All the housing around there is being built now, so the station should be going in as a priority. I think some of the housebuilders are even saying it will be delivered soon in their marketing guff. Instead all there is is an empty space. Anyone got any info on if/when it's getting built?
Funny how the 'Monkerton' station (later renamed 'Hill Barton') is in Devon County Council's Local Transport Plan and Exeter's Monkerton Masterplan, but you never here anything about actually building. All the housing around there is being built now, so the station should be going in as a priority. I think some of the housebuilders are even saying it will be delivered soon in their marketing guff. Instead all there is is an empty space. Anyone got any info on if/when it's getting built?
Devon Metro is a proposal from Devon County Council to develop the existing railway network based around Exeter into a County Wide Metro 'turn up and go' service.
Although predominantly focusing on Exeter, Plymouth would also benefit with more regular local services between Exeter and Plymouth and the proposed extension of the Tamar Valley line to Tavistock.
The next 10-15 years will be a time of rapid growth with 50% more dwellings planned for Exeter - including the new town of Cranbrook. In order for Exeter to compete with other cities in the UK and act as an economic hub for the rest of Devon and Torbay, it must have a transport system which offers high quality access to jobs, retail and leisure opportunities and the city centre.
The aim is to encourage people to use sustainable transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport instead of the
private car. There are opportunities to enhance the rail travel journey experience into Exeter which could facilitate
both economic growth and a reduction in carbon emissions.
The current situation:
Exeter is well served by rail with five train lines and eight stations. Patronage has grown above the national average – around 4% per annum over the last 10 years. On the Exmouth line for example, patronage increased by 40% between 2001 and 2009.
The success of rail travel into Exeter has led to overcrowding during peak periods on the Paignton, Barnstaple and Exmouth routes. This could affect the attractiveness of travelling by train.
With pressures on the Exeter road network there are opportunities to increase the number of areas served by rail. This would improve access to the city centre, reduce cross city car movements and connect to significant growth areas.
Rail has huge potential to offer an attractive, fast alternative to the car and was well supported in the public consultation. Rail passenger groups have said that the local rail network is “a priceless asset operating well below its potential”.
![]()
Already delivered as part of this scheme has been new stations at Cranbrook and Newcourt.
Fairly certain to happen (at least as a trial):
Okehampton Daily Services
You've got people are trying to make happen - not guaranteed but still positive:
Tavistock Extension - being delivered by developers in Tavistock although the price has risen to £60m
You've got new stations being investigated:
Okehampton Parkway
Cullumpton
Marsh Mills or Plympton
Monkerton (Exeter)
Marsh Barton (Exeter)
Edginswell (Torquay)
(Marsh Barton and Edginswell both currently on hold due to lack of funding)
New Services:
Taunton to Exeter local service (calling at Wellington (new station), Tiverton Parkway and Cullumpton)
Enhanced Services:
Exmouth Line - 4 trains per hour. Would need additional passing loops at Monkerton and Lympstone.
Pipe Dream/Wishful Thinking:
Tavistock to Okehamton 'Missing Link'.
Okehamton to Bude
Barnstaple to Braunton (light rail service)
Barnstaple to Ilfracombe (including Braunton, Woolacombe)
Newton Abbot to Heathfield (and possibly Bovey Tracey and onwards to Moretonhampstead?)
Someone recently told be about the new Hitachi services and trials. On the Bristol line there have been many problems, from the first day - the air conditioning soaking some passengers (including the Transport Minister)....And also the pantographs not reaching the overhead cables in places, resulting in re - starting the diesel motors, toilets out of order and two 5 car sets...with would you believe - trolley service (2) 1 for each set! I see problems there with attendants not turning up on one!. On the Devon banks...80 at the bottom of Hemerdon (speed limit) the engine slogging, but only reaching less than 30 at the top (So I was told).The max speed for the diesel is 100 MPH (as against 125 PLUS for the HSTs). The engines need to be different, more powerful than on the Bristol line (is it the 820 series?), but they still have to thrash up the banks! You can Google 'Hitachi 800' on Youtube and also see the not too favourable comments!
While I welcome 21st century trains, the whole problem of watching the shipping forecast, the banks and the bends - there is no easy solution or quick fix. I always favour make do and mend for now... but open the northern route first...it is cheaper & particularly for the benefit of those at Tavistock and Okehampton, who will be able to travel either way and open up a whole new rail system. I see the problems with the Hitachis and I also see all the problems with the southern route. Luke Pollard mentions straightening the track with repairs/ maintenance, - great idea, but it will cause great disruption and cost & will make little difference on the trackbed that is already there.
Sir Kenneth Grange at Paddington - a great locomotive engineer!
Class 43 Paddington. by Richard James, on Flickr
While I welcome 21st century trains, the whole problem of watching the shipping forecast, the banks and the bends - there is no easy solution or quick fix. I always favour make do and mend for now... but open the northern route first...it is cheaper & particularly for the benefit of those at Tavistock and Okehampton, who will be able to travel either way and open up a whole new rail system. I see the problems with the Hitachis and I also see all the problems with the southern route. Luke Pollard mentions straightening the track with repairs/ maintenance, - great idea, but it will cause great disruption and cost & will make little difference on the trackbed that is already there.
Sir Kenneth Grange at Paddington - a great locomotive engineer!
Class 43 Paddington. by Richard James, on Flickr
1 - 20 of 2941 Posts
