Tavistock&Villages Initiative

The railway is well used by Plymouth commuters (a random count in September 2003 showed that 82 people were on the 0754 service) although it does not serve the many large workplaces around the Derriford area, in the northern part of the city. A bus/rail interchange at St Budeaux would have the potential to attract more rail commuters.

The Devon Structure Plan and Devon Local Transport Plan include a policy that the seven-mile stretch of railway line between Bere Alston and Tavistock should be reopened before 2011. This would provide a direct rail link between Tavistock and Plymouth with the potential to offer faster journey times at peak periods by avoiding traffic congestion on the northern outskirts of Plymouth. West Devon’s Local Plan has safeguarded land for the projected new railway station.

	T1.7 Frequency of rail services
	Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers are stations on the Tamar Valley Line and the only places in the Tavistock area served by a railway. On weekdays, there are eight return services to Plymouth; the single journey time is 24 minutes. Departures from Bere Alston are at: 0616, 0754, 1038, 1240, 1440, 1738, 1929, 2230. Departures from Plymouth are at: 0537, 0645, 0930, 1132, 1332, 1628, 1819, 2123. www.nationalrail.co.uk
	The railway is well used by Plymouth commuters (a random count in September 2003 showed that 82 people were on the 0754 service) although it does not serve the many large workplaces around the Derriford area, in the northern part of the city. A bus/rail interchange at St Budeaux would have the potential to attract more rail commuters. The Devon Structure Plan and Devon Local Transport Plan include a policy that the seven-mile stretch of railway line between Bere Alston and Tavistock should be reopened before 2011. This would provide a direct rail link between Tavistock and Plymouth with the potential to offer faster journey times at peak periods by avoiding traffic congestion on the northern outskirts of Plymouth. West Devon’s Local Plan has safeguarded land for the projected new railway station.
	‘Would like to see rail link to Plymouth.’ One of several similar comments from community consultation events 2002
	Strategic Aims: Travel and transport; Reopen railway to Tavistock