Bus services replacing trains from Barnstaple for the next week

Buses will replace trains running from Barnstaple to Crediton in the coming week while essential works are carried out on the Tarka Line.

Great Western Railway (GWR) has advised passengers to check before they travel following the start of rail improvement works today (Saturday) that will continue until Sunday, January 14.

Network Rail needs to carry out vital work to replace track in the Barnstaple area. It says the works will help maintain the reliability of the line.

Rail replacement buses will operate instead, running between Crediton and Barnstaple, during the period. Trains continue to run from Exeter towards Crediton and Yeoford.

Those travelling on the bus services between Crediton and Barnstaple are also being advised to allow extra time to travel or consider alternative options, as replacement bus services are expected to be busy at peak times.

Mark Chorley, GWR regional station manager, west, said: “As we continue to invest in the railway, this work is really important to ensure we can continue to maintain and improve resilience. 

“We have been working hard to provide as many replacement buses as we can, but we ask customers to plan carefully and travel at quieter times to avoid peak-time services which are likely to be busy. We thank you in advance for your patience.”

Jason Pankhurst, Network Rail programme manager, added: “We’re sorry for causing disruption but our work is essential to ensure the smooth running of the Tarka Line for decades to come.

“We’ll be replacing track that has reached the end of its working life to make sure the line is safe to use and help trains to travel faster in the future.

“We can only do this when trains aren’t running so our teams can work as safely and quickly as possible.”

Trains will continue to run on all other routes out from Exeter St Davids, including Exmouth, Paignton and Okehampton.

*** More information on the works and potential disruptions can be found at GWR.com/Upgrade