New Devon bus-rail link to streamline travel

A train coming into Barnstaple Train Station
-Credit: (Image: Rob Tibbles)


Devon County’s cabinet has approved a new scheme at Barnstaple Railway Station which will make it easier for passengers to transfer between bus services and trains and access the town centre.

At a meeting on Wednesday, September 11, cross-party support was given to the construction of the Bus-Rail Integration Enhancements at Barnstaple Railway Station.

The scheme has a budget of £785,670 and follows Devon County Council being awarded £14.1 million Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding by the Department for Transport in 2022.

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The cabinet also approved a countywide ‘pinch point’ removal programme, a series of minor highways improvements which will improve bus service efficiency.

The enhancements at the Railway Station will improve bus-rail integration which is used by over 500,000 passengers every year.

Changes include a simplified road layout and new bus stops to serve all buses at the rail station which will be placed directly outside the main entrance.

The bus stops will include shelters, real-time information screens and cycle parking. A zebra crossing will be provided next to the station entrance, making it easier and safer for pedestrians to access the station and bus stops.

New bus access will be installed on Sticklepath Terrace to allow buses travelling towards Barnstaple town centre to avoid traffic on Station Road.

A new path will be created at the end of Sticklepath Terrace, which will provide a more direct route for people walking to and from the railway station.

The plans have been developed in conjunction with Network Rail, which owns the station, and Great Western Railway, which operates trains serving the station.

Councillor Andrea Davis, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “Building on the timetable enhancements Devon County Council has made to several of the buses serving the railway station this scheme aims to make travelling by bus from Barnstaple Station easier and a more attractive option and encourage more people to use public transport.”

Councillor Caroline Leaver, Liberal Democrat group leader and local member for Barnstaple South, said: “I want to thank everyone involved for all the work that’s gone into developing plans to turn Barnstaple Train Station an integrated transport hub, and all those who took the trouble to comment on the plans.

“I believe the scheme will include routes for cyclists that are easy to navigate and avoid sharp turns, keeping cyclists safe. The impact of buses on Sticklepath Terrace will need to be monitored to ensure residents are not inconvenienced.

“There are many challenges at Barnstaple Train Station, and I am supportive of measures that make it easier for people to use public transport, and to change between bus and train safely. This will improve our carbon footprint and give people better and safer options for getting around.”

Councillor Frank Biederman, Leader of the independent group and local member for Fremington Rural, said: "I’m very supportive; it’s a good scheme and everyone involved should be congratulated.

“It can be chaos at times at the rail station, with people dropping off and picking up and this should make things better and improve the safety and efficiency of services.”

Councillor Carol Whitton, the Labour group leader, said: "Any works that improve on the network’s ability to deliver passengers speedily and safely are welcome. I’m glad to see that this is happening.”