The 309/310 bus service in North Devon is being enhanced to add a connection to Barnstaple Railway Station from the end of this week. Additional funding is being provided to enable the popular service to connect between the town’s Bus Station and Rail Station, starting from this Sunday (29 May). Until now passengers have had to change to another bus service or face a 20-minute walk to travel between the stations.
The 309/310 service, which is subsidised by Devon County Council, is a vital public transport link into Barnstaple from Lynmouth, Lynton, Parracombe and Bratton Fleming. It is well-used by passengers accessing education, work, shops and other services in Barnstaple, as well as passengers on leisure trips visiting Exmoor, the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, and the Lynton and Barnstaple Steam Railway.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “It has always been our aspiration to improve the connectivity of the route with the Tarka Line at Barnstaple Station, but it’s never been possible until now, thanks to this extra funding. We’re keen to improve the integration between bus and rail services and this enhancement can benefit communities and businesses right along this route.”
GWR is also supporting with the promotion of the service.
David Whiteway, GWR Regional Development Manager, said: "We are delighted to have worked with Devon County Council and Filers on this project, which links parts of North Devon to the wider UK rail network. These rural communities now have greater travel opportunities by public transport, and in return improves sustainable leisure access to help businesses around Exmoor thrive.
"We believe that providing good bus and rail interchange opportunities is crucial for supporting our customers’ ability to make end-to-end journeys. This is only possible when organisations work together with a determination to make these improvements a success. GWR is committed to continuing this work across our network and we look forward to seeing more integrated and sustainable transport links in the near future."
Filers operates the service, which currently operates Monday to Saturday (except bank holidays). However, the new service will operate with a limited service on Sundays & Bank Holidays through the summer until 30 October.
For more information visit www.journeydev...
18 сен 2024
