Newer trains maybe heading to the Exmouth line but rail users are calling for them to have more space for bikes, pushchairs and holiday luggage. The diesel trains, known as Turbos, were built back in the early 1990s for Thames Valley commuter services out of Paddington. Now the lines are largely electrified the Turbos are heading west but, according to The Avocet Line Rail Users Group (ALRUG), the seating layout is not suitable for Devon Metro train services and needs to be adapted.
Paignton to Exmouth trains at Teignmouth (top), Marsh Barton (middle) and Bishopsteignton (bottom)
“There have been several changes of plan in recent years, mainly due to late delivery of new trains for the London area,” says ALRUG Chair Mike Reddaway. “But with the new timetable introduced in December 2019 we finally got the four coach service long promised for our line. Before the March lockdown overcrowding problems had disappeared. The benefit was also seen when schools and colleges reopened in September. We need to be sure these benefits continue when the Turbos arrive. Many of those passengers, unlike London commuters, bring luggage, pushchairs, all sorts of large stuff, as well as bikes. We need open areas by all the doors, to stop gangways from getting blocked. If people can’t get on and off easily, trains get delayed and even cancelled.”
ALRUG has written to GWR pointing out that there have been no new local trains in Devon for more than 30 years. The group claims the county is always at the end of a long cascade process, getting trains that are not needed elsewhere. Campaigners say these older diesel units, including the Turbos, have a limited life left in them. “ We will need new trains – maybe powered by hydrogen or batteries - in a few years and the planning should start now”.
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