Train line reopens

What might be termed a ‘newish’ train line is to reopen nearly 50 years after it was withdrawn under Dr Beaching’s infamous British Rail cuts.

The Dartmoor Line between Okehampton and Exeter will officially reopen for year-round services on 20 November, ahead of schedule.  it is the first former line to open under the Government’s Restoring Your Railway manifesto commitment.

The route will connect Exeter St Davids, Crediton and Okehampton providing a launchpad for visitors to explore Dartmoor and regional links for local commuters. Around half of services, including at peak times, will also carry on to Exeter Central. The reopening of the route is expected to boost local businesses and the tourism sector while providing greater access to education and work for thousands of people who live locally.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and its partners have accelerated the reopening of the railway, delivering passenger services in only nine months from the original funding being approved to entry into service and saving money at the same time. As the Government continues its overhaul of the railways following the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, more lines and stations will be reopened.

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Andrew Sharp, United Kingdom

... and 'stranded' a lot of people!

John Bernnett, North Berwick

Goops? Dr Beeching was the man who beached the railways.