A 165% increase in passenger numbers Is behind Network Rail’s decision to ask residents about the future of the Exeter-Barnstaple branch.

Known as The Tarka Line, the 38.5-mile route, which carries 670,000 passengers, will have refurbished trains with air-conditioning and WiFi from summer 2018 ahead of an hourly weekday service being introduced in December next year.

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NR, working with Great Western Railway, the Tarka Line Association, North District Council, Devon County Council and the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership to form a North Devon Line Strategy Group that will look to shape the line’s future.

People can take part at www.northdevonsurvey.com, and hard copies are available at Barnstaple.