Tarka service is a ‘balancing act’

PATRICK Adams is a farmer from Yarnscombe and a member of the Tarka Rail Association.

Patrick believes the service is too slow and would be faster and attract more customers if trains didn’t stop at each of the 11 stations along the line.

Mr Crow said: “We are obligated by our contract to stop at certain stations at certain times of the day.

“We’re forever conducting a balancing act on this line.

“Some people want a faster service with fewer stops but others who live near the smaller stations get annoyed if trains don’t stop for them.”

Mr Crow said that the line is used mainly by a mix of commuters and leisure users, 80 per cent of which get on at Barnstaple and Crediton.

He said: “The commuter services at the start and end of the day stop at all 14 stations and all trains stop at Exeter Central, St David’s, Crediton and Barnstaple.

“This gives a basic service for those in tiny villages and a better service for commuters.”