The un-masked unmasked again

I didnt think it would be long before this story came back..

“Man fuming as 'students ignore mask rules' on Plymouth Citybus”

“"I caught the 16:17 42C headed to the city centre. Almost all the other passengers, whom were clearly students, had followed the rules that came into place that very day. A group of students, all young men, stood at the stop laughing and joking.

"They were not wearing masks. I boarded the bus ahead of them, sat in the disabled seats and watched them proceed to get on, not one of them being asked or challenged about not having a mask on. I can only assume they're either immune from the rules, or from Covid-19."

He added: "I contacted both Marjon and Citybus, and Citybus responded to say that it was not their job to enforce mask wearing, yet others have commented saying Stagecoach have a no mask, no travel, no exemption rule.

"Why Citybus think they have no standing, legally, to enforce this mask wearing is beyond me.

"My family and I have no choice but to get around the city on the buses. Myself and my partner are both disabled and rely on buses to get out to shops, nursery, appointments and so on”

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/man-fuming-students-ignore-mask-6313349

Bus drivers and the operators cant win – if they did stop their buses and insist on mask wearing then the paper would be full of people complaining about that and insisting they are exempt – without having, or needing any proof of such exemption – making it impossible for drivers to police even if they had to. I share the passenger’s concerns about those who are not wearing masks but without clear direction from the Govt – and official enforcement then that's just not going to happen. I'm just glad I have to option of working from home!

Are more passengers wearing masks now or is it like in supermarkets where it seems there are plenty of people who still dont bother?

Meanwhile in Dawlish today…

I must admit to having the live cam on my pc for a while this morning while I worked – it was pretty rough, but it seems that the new wall being constructed did its job – its just that maybe the trains are not up to it? I thought it was just the Virgin trains that had problems in weather like this?

A year ago today

It doesn't seem that long ago but it was exactly one year ago that two trains collided at Plymouth Station…

At 15:34 hrs on Sunday 3 April 2016, the 13:39 hrs passenger train service from Penzance to Exeter collided with an empty train which was already waiting in platform 6 at Plymouth station. The collision occurred at a speed of about 15 mph (24 km/h) and resulted in injuries to 48 people and damage to both trains.
The signaller intended that both trains should share the platform because the empty train was to form a service to London and some passengers from the Penzance service were expected to join it. Lift refurbishment work meant that without platform sharing, passengers would have needed to use the stairs and a subway when changing trains. Permissive signalling arrangements were in place at Plymouth to permit two trains to share the same platform.
The signaller misjudged the amount of space available behind the London train and wrongly believed there was room for the Penzance train. He was aware that the platform sharing arrangement required an unusual form of permissive working, but did not communicate this to the Penzance train driver, and the rules did not require him to do so.
The Penzance train driver incorrectly believed he would not be sharing a platform with the London train. There was insufficient distance to stop his train by the time he realised his mistake and had applied the emergency brake.
Great Western Railway, the operator of both trains, and Network Rail the owner of the infrastructure, had not identified the risk of a collision due to the combination of an unusual form of permissive working, the track alignment on the approach to Plymouth station, and an inexperienced driver.
The RAIB has made three recommendations. The first, addressed to Great Western Railway and possibly also relevant to other train operators, seeks improvements to the training and assessment of new drivers. The second, also addressed to Great Western Railway and possibly relevant to other train operators, arises from difficulties encountered during passenger evacuation and seeks improvements to emergency door release controls. The third recommendation, addressed to Network Rail and to be undertaken with the assistance of appropriate train operating companies, seeks a review of permissive working arrangements at stations.
Two learning points stress the care needed by drivers when undertaking permissive moves, and the value of preventing passengers boarding or alighting from trains when permissive movements are taking place in the same platform.
43160 © Joshua Brown (cc)
A full copy of the accident report can be read by clicking on the cover below
 

Dawlish Investment (sort of)

Catching up with a few stories from a few weeks ago…

The government has today (17 November 2016) confirmed an additional £10 million to help strengthen the resilience of the railway line from Exeter to Newton Abbot via Dawlish. The funding comes as Network Rail publish a report which sets out their proposals for strengthening the route, which was significantly damaged by extreme weather in the winter of 2014.

A section of the sea wall was washed away, leaving the tracks hanging in space, and there was also a major landslip on the cliffs at Teignmouth while the line was closed. The closure of the line was estimated to cost the South West economy more than £1 billion pounds.

The funding is for Network Rail to carry out further planning for how to keep the track better protected from extreme weather.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said:

It is vital that we do all we can to prepare our transport system for extreme weather.

Never has the impact of nature been better demonstrated than at Dawlish and it is important that we make our railways strong enough to weather any storm. The further funding we have today announced will help to make sure that this vital link remains open.

In their report Network Rail identify 3 priority areas where action is needed to prevent the main Exeter to Plymouth railway line being blocked by further extreme weather. These are:

• the risk of landslip from the steep cliffs between Teignmouth and Parson’s Tunnel which would block the main Exeter to Plymouth railway line
• rock falls from the cliffs above the Parson’s Tunnel north entrance
• flooding from the sea of the railway and the road at Marine Parade between Dawlish station and Kennaway Tunnel

The £10 million funding will allow Network Rail to continue their development work on mitigation against these risks from 2017, when the current funding comes to an end.

Railway News: Rail Replacement

Rail News

Plymouth's rail connection to Exeter and London is being disrupted for two weekends as part of a £40billion upgrade to the rail network.

Network Rail is upgrading the points and increasing clearance at the bridge.

There were replacement bus services to and from Plymouth this weekend and the same will happen next weekend.

The work involves replacing 95 points on the track and lowering some of the track to give trains better clearance under the bridges.

Dawlish Beach Cam director Simon Deane said: "Nick went on a mission for us to photograph the points change at Teignmouth."

He added: "Inconvenient as it is having no rail service for the weekend these pictures taken by Nick Campbell show just how much labour and plant equipment have been busy at work removing the worn track and laying a new foundation of stone before being able to relay the new rail. This is currently taking place between Teignmouth station and Shaldon Bridge."

Read more: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Pictures-Plymouth-s-rail-link-cut-weekends/story-28827976-detail/story.html#ixzz41Xs9utOe
Follow us: @heraldnewslive on Twitter | theplymouthherald on Facebook

It hasnt all been going to plan though…

TWO engineering trains collided at Ivybridge on Saturday, causing the front of one train and two wagons to come off the track, and causing some damage to the railway line.

The line was closed to passenger trains at the time, for maintenance work, and nobody was injured as a result of the incident, but it has not yet been confirmed whether train services on Monday morning will be affected.

Following the incident, the maintenance work that was being carried out was suspended.

A spokesman said on Sunday: "On Saturday morning, an engineering train travelling at low speed collided with another engineering train at Ivybridge, causing the front of one of the trains and two wagons to come off the track.
Read more: http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/Trains-collide-South-Devon-station-maintenance/story-28823986-detail/story.html#ixzz41XtIOCm6
Follow us: @TQHeraldExpress on Twitter | theheraldexpress on Facebook

 

The renewal of the down main nears completion at Teignmouth on 28 February 2016

© Barry Lewis

© Barry Lewis (both pics under creative commons)

Looking into it, DR73907 is described as “Plasser & Theurer 08-4x4/4S-RT Switch & Crossing Tamper”

a better view of this beast

Alex Drennan September 2009 in a previous livery

Devon Transit

Devon Transit 003

Alternates with Cornwall Transit every Tuesday. Devon Transit 002 was 27th January. A look back on the last couple of weeks on VOSA and a look forward to the next couple of weeks planned timetable changes. We then follow with the full of proposed cutbacks to tendered services by Devon County Council. Plenty to get through!

Stagecoach

VOSA:

• PH1020951/3 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted: Operating between Brixham and Kingswear given service number 18/18A effective from 30-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.
• PH1020951/22 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted: Operating between Brixham, Bank Lane and Furzeham, Copythorne Road given service number 17/17A effective from 30-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.
• PH1020951/63 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted: Operating between Exeter and Newton Abbot given service number 2 effective from 30-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.
• PH1020951/74 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted: Operating between Met Office and Exminster & Dawlish given service number B/2B effective from 30-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.
• PH1020951/148 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted: Operating between Torquay Strand and Dawlish Warren given service number 11 effective from 30-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.
• PH1020951/183 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Holsworthy and Bude given service number 6/6A effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.
• PH1020951/184 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Okehampton and Holsworthy given service number 6 effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.
• PH1020951/185 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Exeter and Okehampton given service number 6A/6 effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.
• PH1020951/217 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Launceston and Okehampton given service number 6A effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.
• PH1020951/222 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
  Registration Accepted by SN
  Starting Point: Launceston
  Finish Point: Bude
  Service Number: 6A
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 22-FEB-2015
  Other Details: To introduce positioning journeys to operate withdrawn Western Greyhound Service 510
• PH1020951/223 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
  Registration Accepted by SN
  Starting Point: Launceston
  Finish Point: Holsworthy
  Service Number: 6A
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 22-FEB-2015
  Other Details: To introduce Sunday journeys to replace withdrawn Western Greyhound Service 510

Timetables

New timetables have been introduced as follows:

• PH1020951/29 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted: Operating between University of Exeter and Digby given service number D/H effective from 02-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.

  Timetable pdf

  
• As can be seen above there are a lot of VOSA notices for new service 6 6A. Licences PH1020951/183,184,185,217 are for the main service which was previously Stagecoach X9. New licences PH1020951/222,223 are for positioning and also to introduce a Sunday run. All of this is to cover the withdrawal of Western Greyhound from the 510.

  From Sunday 22nd February we're making some changes to our existing X9/X10 bus service. These have come about following Western Greyhound's decision to withdraw the 510. Since we first learned of this we've been working closely with both Devon and Cornwall County Councils to see how we could ensure local residents still have access to a regular, reliable bus service. Key points of the new service are: Our Bude - Holsworthy - Okehampton - Exeter route to be renumbered from X9 to 6
  Our Launceston - Okehampton - Exeter route to be renumbered from X10 to 6A
  The 6A will operate Monday to Saturday when there will be 4 journeys from Launceston to Exeter and 5 back plus there will also be one return journey on Sundays and Bank Holidays
  The new timetable maintains key journeys from the existing 510 timetable in addition to our existing X10
  6A commuter journeys will start from Bude, providing access from the north of Launceston
  On the 6 there will be two Sunday/Bank Holiday journeys between Bude and Exeter
  Unlimited travel between Launceston and Exeter - and on all other Stagecoach South West buses - is just £7.50 a day or £26 per week
  Unlimited travel between Okehampton and Exeter - and on all other Stagecoach South West buses in the Exeter 'Plus' zone - is just £5.50 a day or £20 per week
  Why the change to 6/6A? Well, 6 was the number used by Devon General for its service to Okehampton between 1930s and 1970s. The new service brings all services between Exeter and Okehampton into one timetable giving season Stagecoach ticket holders more journey choices, and a “new” number seemed like a good way to highlight this!

  Timetable pdf

  

  

  

  

  

  

• PH1020951/167 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Exeter St David's Station and Exmouth Bus Station given service number 56/56A effective from 23-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.

  Timetable pdf

  

  

The X9 soon to be swapped for the 6 and 6A

Photo credit: Nick Rice under Creative Commons Licence.

It all seems so long ago that Western Greyhound were confident enough to buy brand new Enviro DDs for the 510...

Photo credit: Eddie (Eastleighbusman) under Creative Commons Licence.

Dart Pleasure Craft (River link)

VOSA

• PH0007025/44 - DART PLEASURE CRAFT LTD T/A RAIL RIVER LINK BUSES, DART PLEASURE CRAFT LTD, STEAMER QUAY ROAD, TOTNES, TQ9 5AL Variation Accepted: Operating between CHURSTON STEAM RAILWAY STATION and GREENAWAY HOUSE ( NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTY) given service number NT1 effective from 28-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.

BeaconBus

Timetable

A late service registration appeared for a service which has already started:

• PH1016164/30 - HOLSWORTHY LTD T/A BEACON GARAGE, DOLTON BEACON, DOLTON, WINKLEIGH, EX19 8PS
  Registration Accepted by SN
  Starting Point: Bideford
  Finish Point: Bideford
  Service Number: 14
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 31-JAN-2015
  Other Details: Monday to Saturday except public holidays

  

  Timetable pdf .

Countrybus

VOSA

• PH1017984/77 - ALANSWAY COACHES LTD T/A COUNTRY BUS, KING CHARLES BUSINESS PK, OLD NEWTON RD, HEATHFIELD, NEWTON ABBOT, TQ12 6UT Variation Accepted: Operating between Newton Abbot, Railway Station and Widdecombe Car Park given service number 271 effective from 04-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.
• PH1017984/115 - ALANSWAY COACHES LTD T/A COUNTRY BUS, KING CHARLES BUSINESS PK, OLD NEWTON RD, HEATHFIELD, NEWTON ABBOT, TQ12 6UT
  Registration Accepted
  Starting Point: Bridford
  Finish Point: Newton Abbot
  Via: Christow
  Service Number: 361
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 08-APR-2015
  Other Details: Wednesdays only.
• PH1017984/116 - ALANSWAY COACHES LTD T/A COUNTRY BUS, KING CHARLES BUSINESS PK, OLD NEWTON RD, HEATHFIELD, NEWTON ABBOT, TQ12 6UT
  Registration Accepted
  Starting Point: Newton Abbot
  Finish Point: Kingskerwell
  Via: Huxnor
  Service Number: 888
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 08-APR-2015
  Other Details: Wednesday only.
• PH1017984/117 - ALANSWAY COACHES LTD T/A COUNTRY BUS, KING CHARLES BUSINESS PK, OLD NEWTON RD, HEATHFIELD, NEWTON ABBOT, TQ12 6UT
  Registration Accepted
  Starting Point: Lancelot Road
  Finish Point: Stoke Hill School
  Service Number: 979
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 07-APR-2015
  Other Details: Monday to Friday school term only
• PH1017984/118 - ALANSWAY COACHES LTD T/A COUNTRY BUS, KING CHARLES BUSINESS PK, OLD NEWTON RD, HEATHFIELD, NEWTON ABBOT, TQ12 6UT
  Registration Accepted
  Starting Point: Kenn
  Finish Point: Exeter Bus Station
  Via: Kennford, Shillingford St George
  Service Number: 366
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 07-APR-2015
  Other Details: Monday to Saturday
• PH1017984/119 - ALANSWAY COACHES LTD T/A COUNTRY BUS, KING CHARLES BUSINESS PK, OLD NEWTON RD, HEATHFIELD, NEWTON ABBOT, TQ12 6UT
  Registration Accepted
  Starting Point: Exeter, Sidwell Street
  Finish Point: Exeter, Union Road
  Via: Pennsylvania Road
  Service Number: U
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 07-APR-2015
  Other Details: Monday to Saturday
• PH1017984/120 - ALANSWAY COACHES LTD T/A COUNTRY BUS, KING CHARLES BUSINESS PK, OLD NEWTON RD, HEATHFIELD, NEWTON ABBOT, TQ12 6UT
  Registration Accepted
  Starting Point: Exeter, Paris Street
  Finish Point: Exeter, Cheeke Street
  Via: Mount Dinham
  Service Number: M
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 07-APR-2015
  Other Details: Monday to Saturday.

Tally Ho

VOSA

• PH1081198/8 - TALLY HO! COACHES LIMITED, UNIT 7, STATION YARD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, KINGSBRIDGE, TQ7 1ES Variation Accepted: Operating between Salcombe Park & Ride Field and Salcombe, Courtenay Street given service number Salcombe Park & Ride effective from 03-Apr-2015. To amend Timetable.

Dartline

VOSA

• PH0005305/22 - DEALTOP LTD T/A DARTLINE COACHES, UNIT 2, LANGDON BUSINESS PARK, OIL MILL LANE, CLYST ST. MARY, EXETER, EX5 1AF Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Crediton, High Street and Crediton, High Street given service number 341 effective from 14-Mar-2015.

Timetables

• PH0005305/42 - DEALTOP LTD T/A DARTLINE COACHES, UNIT 2, LANGDON BUSINESS PARK, OIL MILL LANE, CLYST ST. MARY, EXETER, EX5 1AF Variation Accepted: Operating between Sidmouth Road and County Hall Car Park given service number PR6 effective from 16-Feb-2015. To amend Route.

  Timetable pdf

  

Dial-A-Bus

VOSA

• PH1052309/19 - CHELSTON LEISURE SERVICES LTD T/A DIAL-A-BUS, LONG ROAD, PAIGNTON, TQ4 7BL
  Registration Accepted
  Starting Point: Waterside Road
  Finish Point: Paignton Bus Station
  Via: Cherry Brooke
  Service Number: 67b Paignton
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 30-MAR-2015
  Other Details: Monday to Friday. Operating from the Monday before Easter to the last Friday of October annually.

Devon County Council

Some of these have been covered in more detail over the last week or so, but here is the full list of cuts that Devon CC are proposing:

• Service 1 Exeter - Pinhoe - Broadclyst - Bradninch - Cullompton - Willand - Uffculme - Tiverton Parkway - Sampford Peverell - Halberton - Tiverton.
  Proposal 1 Removal of financial support for schooltime service between Cullompton and Uffculme School. Removal of financial support for journey from Tiverton to Uffculme School via Willand. Withdrawal of 0705, 0850 and 1730 Tiverton - Cullompton, 1510 Tiverton - Cullompton via Uffculme School, 0817, 1710 and 1810 Cullompton - Tiverton and 0815 Cullompton - Uffculme School
  Proposal 2 Withdrawal of evening service, Monday - Saturday - from the 1930 Exeter - Willand and 2020 Willand - Exeter
• Service 5 Exeter - Cowley Bridge - Newton St. Cyres - Crediton.
  Proposal: Withdrawal of evening service - 2030, 2130, 2230, 2330 journeys from Exeter, 2057, 2157, 2257, 2357 journeys from Crediton, Monday - Saturday and Sunday
• Service 7 Exmouth - The Marles - Masey Road.
  Withdrawal of the 1740 journey from Exmouth Parade
• Service 7 303 South Molton - Filleigh - Swimbridge - Landkey - Barnstaple & Woolacombe - Braunton - Barnstaple.
  Complete withdrawal - Sunday and Public Holiday service
• Service 8E Barnstaple - Whiddon Valley / Roundswel.
  Complete withdrawal
• Service 8 10 Barnstaple town services - Whiddon Valley/Forches/Gorwell/Roundswell/Woodville.
  Withdrawal of financially supported frequency enhancements. Frequency would reduce to half hourly instead of every 20 minutes. One route in Gorwell would need to be withdrawn, as there are presently three different routes, which would need to reduce to two. Entails withdrawal of small sections of route. Could lead to overcrowding at certain times.
• Service 9 Barnstaple - Newport - Bishops Tawton.
  Withdrawal of the 0710 and 1820 journeys from Barnstaple
• Service 10H Barnstaple - Whiddon Valley / North Devon District Hospital
  Complete withdrawal - Sunday and Public Holiday service
• Service 11 75 Barnstaple - Bideford - Torrington - Merton - Meeth - Hatherleigh - Okehampton - Sourton - Lydford - Brentor - Mary Tavy - Tavistock - Yelverton - Plymouth
  Complete withdrawal - Sunday and Public Holiday service
• Service 14 Bideford - East the Water - Goaman Estate.
  Reduce to Tuesday and Friday only
• Service 15X Bideford - Clovelly Road - Atlantic Village.
  Withdrawal of the 0745, 1820 and 1850 journeys from Bideford and 0800, 1835 and 1905 journeys from Atlantic Village. Low usage. Alternative commercial services at 0721 and 1754 from Bideford and 0745 and 1825 from Atlantic Village. May affect a very small number of workers.
• Service 16 Bideford - Cornborough Road - Westward Ho! - Appledore - Morwenna Park - Bideford.
  Reduce to operate on Tuesday and Friday
• Service 19 Barnstaple Park & Ride - North Devon Hospital
  Proposal 1: Withdrawal of 1810 and 1830 journeys from the Park & Ride as far as the Bus Station and the 1820 and 1840 journeys from Queen Street to the Park & Ride.
  Proposal2: Withdrawal of the Saturday service between the Park and Ride site and the Bus Station/Queen Street.
• Service 25B Dulverton - Bampton - Shillingford - Wiveliscombe - Taunton.
  Withdrawal of Devon financial support
  This is a contribution towards a Somerset County Council contract, Taunton - Dulverton. Low usage from Devon section. Bampton retains principal service to Tiverton.
• Service 30 Axminster - Millwey Rise - Chard - Ilminster - Taunton.
  Withdraw financial support for additional journeys between Chard and Axminster - this is the 0825 (Saturday), 1029, 1229, and 1800 Chard - Axminster journeys and 0905 (Saturday), 1105, 1305 and 1835 Axminster - Chard journeys
• Service 33 34 35 36 Ilfracombe Town / Lee Bay / Berrynarbor.
  Service 34 to The Shields and 36 to Fern Way withdrawn. Service 33 to Berrynarbor will be replaced by a diversion of service 301. Service 35 to Lee Bay will be reduced to operate on two days
• Service 39 Exeter - Chudleigh - Chudleigh Knighton - Bovey Tracey - Heathfield - Drumbridges - Newton Abbot.
  Complete withdrawal - Winter Sunday and Public Holidays Service - from November - March
• Service 49 Heybrook Bay - Down Thomas - Wembury Point - Plymstock - Plymouth.
  Reduced from 3 journeys to 2. Revised service will provide a return shopping trip into Plymouth, operating approximately 90 minutes later than at present.
• Service 53 Exeter - Clyst St Mary - Newton Poppleford - Sidford - Beer - Seaton - Colyford.
  Complete withdrawal. Alternative commercial service (X53) available fifteen minutes earlier. Affects work journeys.
• Service 55 56 Tavistock - Yelverton - Crapstone - Buckland Monachorum - Milton Combe / Meavy - Dousland - Walkhampton.
  Service 55 is reduced from 7 journeys to 5. Service 56 continues to have 5 journeys. There will no longer be journeys for Buckland Monachorum School.
• Service 55 624 Buckland Monachorum - Yelverton.
  Withdrawal of schooltime services. Morning schooltime bus is withdrawn as part of changes to service 55. Afternoon bus will carry entitled pupils only, with no room for those paying their own fares. No alternatives available.
• Service 55B Exeter - Stoke Canon - Rewe - Thorverton - Silverton - Bickleigh - Tiverton.
  The 0730 Exeter - Tiverton journey will run 25 minutes earlier.
• Service 59 Plymouth - Plympton - Sparkwell - Lutton - Cornwood - Lee Moor - Wotter - Shaugh Prior - Bickleigh - Roborough.
  Service reduced from 7 journeys per day to 4. The revised service will still provide a peak time journey to and from Plymouth and a choice of shopping journeys. Retains service to Shaugh Prior School for entitled pupils. Otherwise retains work and shopping-time services to Plymouth but with reduced options.
• Service 70 Newton Abbot - Highweek.
  Complete withdrawal - Sunday and Public Holidays
• Service 75 Barnstaple - Bideford - Torrington - Merton - Meeth -Hatherleigh - Folly Gate - Okehampton.
  Withdrawal of the 0655 and 1500 Barnstaple - Okehampton, 1040 and 1640 Okehampton - Barnstaple, 0840 Okehampton - Hatherleigh and 0900 Hatherleigh - Okehampton.
  Entitled school pupils to Okehampton College will still be catered for. Some non-entitled school pupils and workers will be affected. The 0815 Bideford - Okehampton will operate via Hatherleigh to replace the withdrawn 0900 journey.
• Service 77 Newton Abbot - Buckland Estate .
  Complete withdrawal of Sunday and Public Holiday service.
• Service 82 Exeter - Longdown - Dunsford - Moretonhampstead - Postbridge - Princetown - Yelverton - Tavistock.
  Complete withdrawal.
• Service 85C St Giles on the Heath - Chapmanswell - Clawton - Holsworthy - Stibb Cross - Bideford - Barnstaple.
  Complete withdrawal. Alternative service 85 journey is available for all points between Holsworthy and Barnstaple. Entitled students from the St Giles on the Heath - Holsworthy section will still be catered for.
• Service 86 Tavistock - Bishopsmead - Horrabridge - Yelverton - Woolwell - Plymouth.
  Withdrawal of the late evening service - 2145, 2245, 2345 departures from Plymouth and 2150 and 2250 from Tavistock Monday - Saturday. 1845, 1945, 2045, 2145 and 2255 departures from Plymouth and 1945, 2045, 2145 and 2255 departures from Tavistock on Sunday and Public Holidays. About 50% of patronage is within, or from Plymouth
• Service 87 Bere Alston - Tavistock.
  Withdrawal of the 0640 Tavistock - Bere Alston and 1854 Bere Alston - Tavistock journeys
• Service 90B Dartmouth - Archway Drive.
  Complete withdrawal
• Service 91 Totnes - Avonwick - Ugborough - Ermington - Brixton - Plymstock - Plymouth.
  Reduce to operate on Tuesday only. Most passengers originate from Plymouth
• Service 93 Dartmouth - Stoke Fleming - Strete - Slapton Turn - Torcross - Stokenham - Chillington - Frogmore - West Charleton - Kingsbridge - Churchstow - Aveton Gifford - Modbury - Yealmpton - Brixton - Plymouth .
  Withdrawal of Summer Sunday and Public Holidays
• Service 94 Noss Mayo - Newton Ferrers - Membland - Holbeton - Yealmpton - Brixton - Plymstock - Plymouth.
  Service reduced from 5 journeys to 3. It will still provide a work time journey and choice of shopping journeys. 50% of the usage on this service is on the Yealmpton - Plymouth section where there are alternative buses to and from Plymouth. Revision enables combination of Service 49 and 94 operation
• Service 98 Tavistock - Greenlands - Princetown - Two Bridges - Postbridge - Bellever/Yelverton.
  Princetown retains 3 journeys, arriving in Tavistock at 0820, 1135 and 1545. Departures from Tavistock are at 1010, 1410 and 1745. Greenlands is reduced from 5 journeys to 4.
• Service 99E Exmouth - Littleham/Brixington.
  Complete withdrawal - Sunday and Public Holidays
• Service 113 132 260 Tavistock - Dawlish / Torquay / Truro.
  National Bus Pass to be no longer valid. Services run primarily for tourism and are therefore not part of the statutory scheme
• Service 149 Totnes - Berry Pomeroy - Marldon - Torbay Hospital - The Willows - Torquay.
  Complete withdrawal. Entitled pupils to KEVIC's will be catered for by a school contract service. Journeys from Totnes to Marldon, The Willows and Torbay Hospital will be covered by a new service funded by Torbay Council, which Devon County Council will contribute to. This will provide an hourly link from Totnes - Torbay Hospital, with alternate journeys via Marldon and The Willows.
• Service 157 Exmouth - Littleham - Budleigh Salterton - East Budleigh - Otterton -Bicton - Colaton Raleigh - Newton Poppleford - Sidmouth.
  Withdraw of the funding for operating via Otterton. The withdrawal of funding may result in a reduction in frequency on the entire route.
• Service 162 Kingsbridge - Thurlestone - South Milton - Galmpton - Hope/Loddiswell.
  Withdraw the 1700 Kingsbridge - Loddiswell, 1715 Loddiswell - Kingsbridge, 1730 Kingsbridge - Hope and 1815 Hope - Kingsbridge.
• Service 178 Newton Abbot - Liverton - Bovey Tracey - Lustleigh - Moretonhampstead - Chagford - Whiddon Down - South Zeal - South Tawton - Sticklepath - Okehampton.
  Moretonhampstead - Newton Abbot journey will commence from Okehampton. Journey to Okehampton will serve Giblands Park and Hunters Gate in Okehampton and extend to Okehampton Station. Due to vehicle being used in part-replacement for Service 318
• Service 184 Newton Abbot - Kingsteignton - Bishopsteignton - Teignmouth.
  Withdrawal of the Monday - Friday 1753 journey from Teignmouth - Bishopsteignton. The 1715 Newton Abbot - Teignmouth journey would terminate at Ware Cross. Low usage. Alternative commercial service along main road
• Service 187 Okehampton - Sourton - Lydford - Brentor - Mary Tavy - Tavistock - Morwellham - Gunnislake.
  Complete withdrawal. Part of Dartmoor Rover network.
• Service 271 Newton Abbot - Bovey Tracey - Haytor - Widecombe - Manaton, 'Haytor Hoppa'.
  Withdrawal of County Council financial support. Joint arrangement (50/50) with Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor National Park could elect to carry on with 100% funding of their own.
• Service 300 Barnstaple - Braunton - Ilfracombe - Combe Martin - Lynton - Lynmouth - Countisbury (winter) - Porlock (winter) - Minehead (winter).
  Complete withdrawal.Brendon and Countisbury will be served solely by Community Transport.
• Service 301 Barnstaple - North Devon Hospital - Muddiford - Milltown - Ilfracombe - Berrynarbor Corner - Combe Martin.
  Withdrawal of the 1805 Ilfracombe High Street - Tesco journey.
• Service 302 Ilfracombe - Mullacott Cross - Woolacombe.
  National Bus Pass to be no longer valid. Service runs primarily for tourism and is therefore not part of the statutory scheme.
• Service 303 Mortehoe - Woolacombe - West Down - Braunton - Heanton Punchardon - Ashford - Barnstaple.
  On Tuesday would operate from Mullacott Cross to Barnstaple via Guineaford Bridge, Prixford and Bradiford. Due to being diverted to replace sections of withdrawn Service 654. West Down, Heanton Punchardon and Ashford retain service on other days.
• Service 307 Barnstaple - Landkey - Swimbridge - Filleigh South Molton - Oakford - Bampton.
  Complete withdrawal. Lessens choice, but main settlements have services to other destinations.
• Service 318 Okehampton Town service.
  Withdrawal. A shopping journey for Giblands Park, Hunters Gate, Leeze Park and the Station is provided by a revised service 178. North Tawton to Okehampton retains peak time buses. Giblands Park has alternative services along Exeter Road. North Tawton and Sampford Courtenay served by commercial Stagecoach Service 5A. B3215 via Sampford Courtenay Station served by weekly Services 631 and 648. Exeter Road, Crediton Road, Limehayes Road and Hospital served by supported Service 11. Ring & Ride provides an in-town service on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
• Service 322 Ashreigney - Riddlecombe - Roborough - St. Giles-in-the-Wood - Torrington / Bideford / Barnstaple.
  Wednesday service to Barnstaple to be rerouted via Yarnscombe and Tawstock in place of Service 664. Would not go to Torrington or Bideford on that day. Withdraw Thursday service. Enables withdrawal of Service 664. All communities on Service 322 route retain at least a weekly shopping-time bus on different days to Torrington, Bideford and Barnstaple.
• Service 322 Ashreigney - Riddlecombe - Roborough - St. Giles-in-the-Wood - Torrington / Bideford / Barnstaple.
  Wednesday service to Barnstaple to be rerouted via Yarnscombe and Tawstock in place of Service 664. Would not go to Torrington or Bideford on that day. Withdraw Thursday service. Enables withdrawal of Service 664. All communities on Service 322 route retain at least a weekly shopping-time bus on different days to Torrington, Bideford and Barnstaple.
• Service 325 Lapford - Chawleigh - Chulmleigh - Burrington - High Bickington - Atherington - Bishops Tawton - Barnstaple.
  Reduce to operate on Tuesday and Friday. Lapford, Chawleigh and Chulmleigh retain a Monday - Saturday service to Crediton and Exeter.
• Service 343 Tiverton (Palmerston Park/Cotteylands/Higher Moor).
  Revisions to timetable and route. Frequency reduced. The 1535 journey from Tiverton High School is withdrawn. Journeys to Palmerston Park and Cotteylands operate from the Bus Station at 0830, 0915, 1115, 1215, 1345, 1445 and 1645. The section of route to Higher Moor will operate hourly. The section of route via Southfield Way will be withdrawn to allow a larger bus to be used.
• Service 347 Cheriton Fitzpaine - Stockleigh Pomeroy - Shobrooke - Crediton.
  Service reduced to operate on Monday and Thursday. Service 347 currently operated with same vehicle as Service 607 which is proposed for withdrawal
• Service 348 349 Tiverton Town (Cowley Moor / Higher Moor).
  Frequency reduced to hourly. Withdrawal of the 0615 and 1815 journeys from the Bus Station. Service 348 will operate between Tiverton and Cowley Moor only, not serving the Business Park. Higher Moor will be served by a revised 343 service. The link to Tiverton High School is retained.
• Service 352 353 Tiverton Town (Tidcombe & Wilcombe).
  Reduce service from half-hourly to hourly. Service will operate at 0805 from the bus station and then 0945, 1015, 1045, 1145, 1245, 1315, 1415, 1515, 1550, 1615, 1715 and 1815. The 0740 journey from the Bus Station is withdrawn. The link to Tiverton High School would be maintained.
• Service 357 Byron Way - Exmouth - Littleham - Budleigh Salterton.
  Proposal 1: Complete withdrawal - Sundays and Public Holidays
  Proposal 2: Complete withdrawal - Monday - Saturday evenings - from the 1850 Byron Way - Budleigh Salterton and 1920 Budleigh Salterton - Byron Way.
• Service 360 Bridford - Christow - Doddiscombsleigh - Dunchideock - Ide - Exeter.
  Withdrawal of the 1500 Exeter - Ide; 1524 Ide - Exeter and 1842 Bridford - Exeter journeys. Ide retains work and shopping-time journeys. 1842 journey is not well used.
• Service 361 Bridford - Christow - Trusham - Teign Village - Hennock - Newton Abbot. Wednesday Only
  Withdrawal of 0903 Hennock - Christow and 1355 Christow - Newton Abbot journeys - these connect with Service 360 for journeys to and from Exeter. Lessens choice of destination but villages retain main service to Newton Abbot. Lack of use of Exeter connection means no passengers lost.
• Service 366 Kenn - Kennford - Clapham - Shillingford St. George - Shillingford Abbot - Alphington - Exeter
  Reduced from 4 journeys to 2. Revised service will provide a return shopping journey to Exeter. This affects work travel from Kenn, Clapham, Shillingford St. George and Shillingford Abbot. For Kennford, alternative services (X46 and X64) stop on A38. Entitled students to Exeter College will be catered for by alternative arrangements.
• Service 367 Honiton Town service
  Withdraw 0725 Heathfield - High Street journey and all journeys after the 1610 High Street - Heathfield: 1510 (Saturday and School Holidays), 1630 and 1730 Heathfield - High Street, 1710, 1810 High Street - Heathfield. Alternative services available, 4/4A, 20, 52B, albeit at some walking distance.
• Service 368 Broadhembury - Awliscombe - Honiton
  Reduce to run on Tuesday, Thursday & Friday only
• Service 372 Bradworthy - West Putford - Parkham - Buckland Brewer - Littleham - Landcross - Bideford - Barnstaple
  Reduce to Tuesday & Friday only
• Service 381 Ottery St. Mary Town
  Complete withdrawal. Current timetable not shown on Journey Devon
• Service 386 Petrockstowe - Taddiport - Torrington - Bideford - Barnstaple
  Withdraw the Thursday journey from Petrockstowe to Torrington and return
• Service 387 Sidmouth - Tipton St. John - Wiggaton - Ottery St. Mary - Gittisham - Honiton - Monkton - Rawridge - Upottery - Smeatharpe - Taunton
  Reduce to Wednesday & Saturday only. Sidmouth - Ottery St. Mary - Honiton section to run on Saturday only. Service will operate via Feniton to replace withdrawn Wednesday and Saturday service 694. Service has a limited unique function. Except for Smeatharpe, villages on Honiton - Taunton section have alternative services to Honiton. Main services between Sidmouth, Ottery St. Mary and Honiton are Services 52B and 382. Wiggaton retains a weekly link. Also serves passengers from Churchinford in Somerset, although Somerset CC make no financial contribution.
• Service 391 392 393 Seaton Town services
  Withdrawal of the 1640 service 391 and 1700 service 392 journeys. Due to low usage of these journeys.
• Service 397 Hemyock - Culmstock - Burlescombe - Westleigh - Holcombe Rogus - Sampford Peverell - Uplowman - Tiverton
  Complete withdrawal. The Uplowman - Tiverton section, to be replaced by a revised service 697 running on Friday instead of Tuesday, Hemyock and Culmstock have main service (20) to Honiton, Wellington and Taunton. Redesigned local network still caters for most demand.
• Service 607 Crediton Town
  complete withdrawal
• Service 654 Guineaford Bridge - Prixford - Barnstaple & Goodleigh - Barnstaple Tuesday only
  Complete withdrawal. Guineaford Bridge & Prixford section replaced by a diverted Service 303 journey. Goodleigh section replaced by an extension of service 658.
• Service 656 Riddlecombe - Ashreigney - Chulmleigh
  Complete withdrawal. No communities left entirely unserved. Riddlecombe and Ashreigney also have services to Torrington, Bideford and Barnstaple
• Service 658 West Buckland - East Buckland - Filleigh - Chittlehampton - Bishops Tawton - Barnstaple. Tuesday and Friday
  Withdraw Friday journey. Tuesday journey would leave Barnstaple at 1320 instead of 1230. Tuesday journey operates later due to being extended to replace Goodleigh section of Service 654.
• Service 664 Ashreigney - Riddlecombe - Roborough - Beaford - St. Giles-in-the-Wood - Yarnscombe - Tawstock - Barnstaple. Friday only
  Complete withdrawal. All points except Beaford will be served by a revised service 322 on Wednesday. Still caters for current demand but on a different day. Beaford is served by daily Service 5B.
• Service 675 Holcombe Rogus - Westleigh - Burlescombe - Culmstock - Ashill - Kentisbeare - Cullompton - Bradninch - Ellerhayes - Poltimore - Exeter. Thursday
  Complete withdrawal. The Ellerhayes - Poltimore - Exeter section will be replaced by a re-routed service 678. Ashill to be served by extended Fare Car F18 to Cullompton.
  Holcombe Rogus, Westleigh and Burlescombe also have service (697) to Tiverton. Culmstock also has service (20) to Honiton, Wellington and Taunton. Kenstisbeare also has service (694) to Cullompton.
• Service 678 Witheridge - Nomansland - Puddington - Pennymoor - Poughill - Cheriton Fitzpaine - Thorverton - Brampford Speke - Upton Pyne - Exeter
  Reduce to Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday. Withdraw Witheridge - Nomansland section. Brampford Speke & Upton Pyne to be served on Wednesday, & Friday. Tuesday journey will be diverted between Thorverton and Exeter to serve Ellerhayes & Poltimore and will not serve Brampford Speke and Upton Pyne
  Redesigned local network still caters for most demand. Witheridge and Nomansland have alternative service (155) to Exeter. Thorverton has alternative service (55B) to Exeter.
• Service 684 Dalwood - Stockland - Cotleigh - Otter Valley Caravan Park - Honiton Saturday only
  Complete withdrawal
  The majority of passengers are from Otter Valley caravan park, which will be served by a revised service 367. All other points are served by Fare Car F5
• Service 694 Honiton - Awliscombe - Dulford - Kentisbeare - Cullompton - Westcott - Langford Green - Norman's Green - Plymtree - Payhembury - Feniton - Honiton
  Reduce to Tuesday, Thursday & Friday only. Service 387 will also serve Feniton - Honiton on Wednesday and Saturday.
• Service 697 Burlescombe - Westleigh - Holcombe Rogus - Hockworthy - Huntsham - Chevithorne - Chettiscombe - Tiverton
  Route will run on Friday instead of Tuesday and is extended to include Uplowman. Replaces Uplowman section of withdrawn Service 397.
• Service 863 Broadhembury - Payhembury - Plymtree - Clyst Hydon - Talaton - Clyst St Lawrence - Westwood - Exeter
  Service to operate on Monday instead of Friday.
• Service 886 Teignmouth - Shaldon - Combeinteignhead - Stokeinteignhead - Netherton - Newton Abbot
  Reduce to operate on Friday only.
• Service 888 Newton Abbot - Kingskerswell - Huxnor - Daccombe Cross - Coffinswell
  To run 15 minutes later in both directions Due to being operated with a different vehicle, linked with another service
• Service 898 Ashburton Town
  Reduced to operate on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday only. Due to vehicle being used on Wednesday to operate service 888. Current timetable not shown on Journey Devon.
• Service 979 Exeter - Lancelot Road - Stoke Hill Schools
  Withdrawal. Stagecoach commercial Services E, F1 and F2 available as alternatives, albeit with additional walk for some passengers. Current timetable not shown on Journey Devon
• Service D Exeter - University - City Centre - Digby
  Proposal 1: Withdrawal of enhanced frequency during University Vacations. Service would operate half-hourly from Digby to the University Monday - Friday during University Vacations.
  Proposal 2: Withdrawal of enhanced Saturday service. Service would operate half-hourly from Digby to the University.
• Service D Exeter - University - City Centre - Digby
  Proposal 1: Withdrawal of enhanced frequency during University Vacations. Service would operate half-hourly from Digby to the University Monday - Friday during University Vacations.
  Proposal 2: Withdrawal of enhanced Saturday service. Service would operate half-hourly from Digby to the University.
• Service F5 Fare Car Honiton, Combe Raleigh, Cotleigh, Farway, Gittisham, Luppitt, Marsh, Monkton, Northleigh, Offwell, Rawridge, Stockland, Upottery, Yarcombe Fare Car
  Reduce to Tuesday and Friday. Revision retains the best-used days. The area also retains weekly bus services to Honiton. Fare Car serves people not living on bus routes.
• Service F7 Fare Car ivybridge, Bigbury, Bigbury-on-Sea, Challaborough, Kingston, Ringmore, St. Ann's Chapel Fare Car
  Reduce to Saturday Only. F7 was reduced in April 2011 from daily to twice weekly but usage is still very low. Area retains Friday bus to Ivybridge and Plymouth via revised Service 875.
• Service F9 Fare Car Black Dog, Cheriton Fitzpaine, East and West Worlington, Kennersleigh, Loxbeare, Nomansland, Oakford, Poughill, Puddington, Rackenford, Stockleigh English, Stoodleigh, Templeton, Thelbridge, Way Village, Witheridge, Woolfardisworthy and Tiverton area Fare Car
  Complete withdrawal. All existing Fare Car passengers can be served by the Tiverton Ring and Ride.
• Service F10 Fare Car Alswear, Ash Mill, Bish Mill, Bishops Nympton, Chittlehamholt, East Anstey, Kings Nympton, Knowstone, Mariansleigh, Meshaw, Molland, Romansleigh, Rose Ash, Satterleigh, Warkleigh, West Anstey and South Molton area Fare Car
  Reduce to operate on Saturday only. Parts of the area retain weekly bus services. Fare Car serves people not living on bus routes.
• Service F12 Fare Car Okehampton, Beaworthy, Black Torrington, Bratton Clovelly, Chilla, Germansweek, Highampton, Inwardleigh, Northlew, Sheepwash Fare Car
  Complete withdrawal. F12 was reduced in April 2011 from daily to Tuesday & Friday only but usage is still very low. The area retains weekly bus services to local towns and all current Fare Car passengers live on bus routes to Okehampton.
• Service F14 Fare Car Ashton, Hennock, Trusham, Bovey Tracey, Heathfield and Newton Abbot area Fare Car
  Reduce to operate on Tuesday only, The area retains a weekly bus service to Newton Abbot
• Service F17 Fare Car Kingsbridge, Bigbury, Bigbury-on-Sea, Challaborough, Kingston, Ringmore, St. Ann's Chapel, Aveton Gifford, Loddiswell, Churchstow, South Milton, Bantham, Thurlestone, Hope, Malborough, Salcombe
  Complete withdrawal. Fare Car was introduced to improve accessibility but area now has daily low-floor bus service so Fare Car usage is very low.
• Service F18 Fare Car Cullompton, Westcott, Blackborough, Clyst Hydon, Broadhembury, Dulford, Kerswell, Langford Green, Norman's Green, Plymtree Fare Car
  To be extended to serve Ashill. Replaces part of Service 675. Passengers transferring from bus to Fare Car will no longer be able to use their National Bus Pass.
• Service P Exeter - Pennsylvania/Crossmead
  Withdrawal of evening service - from the 2046 High Street - Pennsylvania and 2056 Pennsylvania - Crossmead Monday - Saturday and from the 1846 High Street - Pennsylvania and 1856 Pennsylvania - Crossmead on Sunday and Public Holidays
• Service T Exeter - Countess Wear - Topsham Quay
  Complete withdrawal. D.C.C Financially supports the section of route between Countess Wear and Topsham Quay. Alternative bus (and rail) services available from Station Road or High Street.
• Service U M Exeter - Beech Avenue, Sylvan Park, Mount Dinham, Exe Street
  Reduced service - service U reduced to three journeys giving a morning shopping service and M to two journeys.
• Service X38 Exeter - Drumbridges - Liverton - Bickington - Ashburton - Buckfastleigh - South Brent - Bittaford - Ivybridge - Plymouth
  Complete withdrawal - Sunday and Public Holiday service. There are alternatives for some passengers - Exeter - Ivybridge - Plymouth rail service; Service 88 Buckfastleigh - Ashburton - Newton Abbot, then train; Gold service from South Brent and Ivybridge to Plymouth
• Service X64 Exeter - Kingsteignton - Newton Abbot - Ipplepen - Totnes - Harbertonford - Halwell - Kingsbridge - West Alvington - Malborough - Salcombe
  Complete withdrawal - Sunday and Public Holiday service
• Service X85 Barnstaple - Bideford - Monkleigh - Milton Damerel - Holsworthy - Clawton - Chapmanswell - St. Giles on the Heath - Launceston - Milton Abbot - Tavistock - Plymouth
  Complete withdrawal - Removes North Devon's only direct link with Plymouth. Alternative routes involve a change in Okehampton. All communities on route have services to other destinations
• Dartmouth - Kingswear passenger Ferry
  Withdrawal of Winter (November - March) evenings (after 1900). Alternative crossing is available on the Dartmouth lower ferry

In The News

Hop12 bus to return to Torquay town centre from Monday morning

THE HOP12 bus will return to Torquay town centre from Monday morning. Traders had complained that work in Fleet Street was ‘killing the town’ and that the cancelling of bus routes into the town centre had left them struggling to survive, but the news that buses are to return has delighted them.

Details of the new diversion route for the Hop12 are that from Newton Abbot buses will follow their normal route to Castle Circus Library, then divert via Union Street, Pimlico, Abbey Road and pick up the existing diversion route at Lucius Street. From Torquay Cary Parade buses will follow the existing diversion route to Tor Hill Road, then divert via Union Street, Pimlico, Abbey Road after which they will return to Tor Hill Road, then Higher Union Street and pick up their normal route from Castle Circus. Torquay Herald Express

Dawlish - One Year On...

Stunning Network Rail Time-lapse Video:

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Railway Week: Weir be gone

Bit of a rail theme this week as I attempt to catch up on some of the railway news from the last few weeks

Network Rail has announced its preferred solution for tackling the problem of continual flooding at Cowley and Stafford bridges in Exeter. This solution involves the removal of three weirs close to the bridges to lower the water level in this part of the River Exe.

Flooding at these bridges is a long-standing problem that has had a devastating impact on the nearby railway line and on the local community. In total, it has resulted in four weeks of disruption over the last two years, meaning numerous delays and closures on this part of the Great Western Main Line; loss of profit for businesses in the area; and a huge inconvenience to local residents.

Over the last year, Network Rail has been working to find a long-term solution to these problems. This has involved undertaking an in-depth environmental study of the area to establish the cause of the flooding and an assessment of the options available to reduce the chances of it happening again.

The solution of removing Pynes, Exwick and Cowley weirs was chosen as the most preferable because it would provide the highest return on investment when the extent to which it could prevent further flooding was compared to its cost. Once the three weirs are removed, the river will be returned to its natural state, meaning that in this part the water level will fall by up to a metre.

Joanna Grew, Network Rail’s commercial scheme sponsor for the project, said: “Over the years, flooding at these two bridges has caused huge disruption on the Great Western Main Line, severely inconveniencing passengers and harming the region’s economy. As a good neighbour, we are also aware of the extensive problems it causes the local community, which is why we have been working to find a long-term solution.

“The preferred option of removing the weirs is the most favourable as it would not only limit the chances of flooding in the future, it is also the option that provides good value for money for the public.

“We are now working with the council and other stakeholders to gather their views on our proposal and will keep the local community updated on our progress.”

George Arnison, from the Environment Agency, said: “We are pleased to support Network Rail’s work to improve the railway’s resilience to flooding.

"It’s great to see a solution emerge that complements the Exeter Flood Defence Scheme proposals and seems to offer both flood risk and environmental benefits.”

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Green Dart

Western Greyhound have acquired a batch of Dennis Darts to replace Mercedes Varios. The first to receive the new standard livery is 208 NA52AWP which looks very smart indeed. Thanks to Mark Howarth for the photo.

© Western Greyhound.

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Meanwhile further to yesterdays news from the BBC...

Network Rail denies Dawlish plan NETWORK RAIL has denied reports that it has chosen another rail route through Devon, avoiding the vulnerable coastal stretch through Dawlish. Damage to the Great Western Main Line caused by storms in south Devon will take some time to repair. Network Rail now says the link is unlikely to be restored beforre April, and the number of flights between London and Cornwall will be doubled from tomorrow. But the company has denied a BBC report which claimed that the former Southern main line through Dartmoor via Okehampton and Tavistock had been selected for reopening, providing an inland alternative between Exeter and Plymouth. A Network Rail source commented to Railnews: "I think there have been a few assumptions here, and they are not true. In a statement about the former Southern line, Network Rail said: "It was closed in the 1960s and the land was sold off and built on. It would require substantial engineering, including new bridges and viaducts, before a new line could be constructed.

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Plastic Bridge

Slightly outside the normal area but some interesting developments ahead at Dawlish Station:

Work is due to start this month on the new footbridge for Dawlish railway station as part of a £1m improvement project.
Contractors BAM Nuttall intend to begin preparatory works this month. The existing footbridge will be removed on 7 October and the new footbridge will be installed on 14 October. Completion for the whole scheme is expected to be end-November 2012.

Network Rail’s route asset manager for buildings, Simon Gyde said: “The renewal of Dawlish Station footbridge is driven by the asset condition and safety. The existing footbridge was last reconstructed in 1937, using steel girders taken from Park Royal Station.

“Despite numerous repair schemes being carried out, the bridge suffers from the harsh marine environment, and now has significant areas of corrosion to the main girders and roof structure with poor protective paintwork and rotten timber decking.”

The footbridge will be the second fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) footbridge to be installed on the Western Route. The first was at St Austell in Cornwall in October 2007. Plastic is being used because the steelwork of the existing footbridge has been badly corroded by the harsh marine weather conditions. The timber decking has rotted and the protective paintwork has broken down. The plastic components are being supplied by Pipex Ltd, the Plymouth-based structural composites manufacturer, replicating the style of the original steel bridge at the grade 2 listed station. Network Rail’s engineers considered a number of alternatives, including a complete refurbishment and strengthening scheme using traditional materials, before deciding to completely replace the existing footbridge with a plastic FRP structure.

Not only will the manufactured mouldings replicate the existing style of the original steel bridge - even down to plastic rivet heads - but it will be better able to withstand the harsh marine environment along the Dawlish seafront. When finished, the footbridge will be painted Admiral Gray in keeping with the rest of the station. The new structure will be lighter and easier to install and will require considerably less maintenance than the footbridge it replaces. While the work is taking place, a footbridge diversion will be in operation from the town end of the railway station. Local residents, businesses and Dawlish Town Council will be kept informed of the plans throughout the work.

The footbridge diversion will use the subway and the ramp leading to platform 2. If there is severe weather, contingency plans will be put in place to lead passengers over the Barrow level crossing.

Network Rail

Not a brilliant photo but you can see the bridge at Dawlish Station, and just how rusty it is at the moment. Taken 30 August 2012.

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Railway Timetables

I cam across this post on A Transport of Delight a few days ago:

“So, I was very pleased to see that hard copies of the Working Timetable covering all railway lines here in Great Britain are now available to view online - albeit rather hidden at present”

In their post they give the book numbers needed for their area so here I attempt to do the same for anyone that's interested in this sort of thing…

• Book PC Section 03 Castle Cary Barnstaple Pinhoe Exmouth
• Book PC Section 04 Exeter St Davids Paignton Plymouth
• Book PC Section 05 Plymouth Penzance Gunnislake Newquay Falmouth
• Book PC Section 06 Liskeard Looe
• Book PC Section 07  Penzance and St Ives

We also get a view of the Freight timetables which have always been a lot harder to track down

• Book PF Section 17 Filton Junction to Tavistock Junction
• Book PF Section 18 Exeter Truro via Plymouth

 

There is also a nice guide which details the codes in use in the timetables which will be more of use to enthusiasts more than passengers I guess

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Bloggers

• Having been sadly disappointed by the offering at Halesowen, fbb was anxious to see if Stourbridge offered anything better. And beautifully better it was. First and foremost it has toilets. Public Transport Experience
• I like photographing in Gosport bus station. The angles of the sun change throughout the day, without any angle impeding you. There is a steady but not boring nor over-baring flow of buses to keep you entertained, and if you get bored you can pop on the ferry over to Portsmouth and The Hard. Or an ice cream on the front, watching as the nautical world goes by. Southern England Bus Scene
• Who would have thought that public transport had a part to play in the invention of today's vast mail order industry. Indirectly, then, Amazon owes its very existence to Pryce Pryce-Jones, Rowland Hill and the Cambrian Railways! Well, maybe. Public Transport Experience
• Here’s the result of yesterday’s (very) short Plymouth Citybus livery poll regarding an image revision after only 18 months. Voting was brisk. Indeed, it was our second most popular poll ever (and this is August, too). Omnibuses