He added that the mix of college students and workers on the service had led to “alpha” groups pushing their way to the front, creating challenges for station staff.

Tim said Railfuture is working to speed up the deployment of longer trains on the Barnstaple to Exeter line, warning that the three- and four-carriage trains currently in use are “already proving there is a problem”.

Don't know the lengths of the platforms between Exeter and Barnstaple,
but could a non stop service service be introduced from Exeter to Barntaple?

So far two refurbished 2 car units are at Laira and four unrefurbished.

I suspect as soon as as refurbished 3 car comes down a HST diagram will go before being used for Barnstaple.

That would seem likely ... provided that sufficient crew training has been completed and there is a modicum of fixing skills/experience in place in case one fails with passengers on board.  Top priority has been stated as being to phase out the HSTs ...

175s have been up and about between Newton Abbot and Penzance for weeks now.
175007 is out and about today.

Noting that two units scheduled for training, but again, only one appears in use (shortage of crew!).

Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Due to flooding we are currently unable to run any trains on the Barnstaple branch line; this affects services between Crediton and Barnstaple (Currently Exeter St Davids to Okehampton services are running).

Network Rails remote monitoring equipment detected water exceeding the threshold for closure at three bridges and viaducts, triggering an automatic closure for the safety of all customers.

The safety of customers is our top priority and Network Rail will need to deploy specialist diving teams to inspect the affected structures once water levels recede before services can safely resume.

We will restore the service as soon as it is safe to do so but with heavy rain expected on Friday the closure could continue for several days. We will provide additional updates as we receive more information.

We would urge customers to only travel if necessary whilst the line is closed, and to check before travelling at GWR.com.

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What are my options:

Limited rail replacement road transport is now in place. Coaches and taxis will shuttle between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple until further notice. Please see station staff for more information.

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For any passengers at any intermediate stations, please use the help point and road transport will be arranged.
Please use journey planners to see which trains will call additionally at Newton St Cyres request stop.
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Alternatively, You may use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the following local bus services between Exeter and Barnstaple:
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Stagecoach South West route:

>5B - Exeter (Bus Station, approximately 13 minutes by foot from Exeter Central train station and 24 minutes by foot from Exeter St Davids train station), Crediton (directly opposite train station), Copplestone (approximately 10 minutes by foot from the train station), Morchard Road (approximately 5 minutes by foot from the train station), Barnstaple (directly opposite the train station)

Journey time on bus route 5B between Exeter bus station and Barnstaple is approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes

Bus service 5B runs up to seven times a day
See https://www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/south-west/5/exeter-bus-station-crediton-or-chulmleigh/XDAO005.O for more information.
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We're sorry for the delay to your journey.

We will update this message with more information when we have it.
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, message us on X @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.

If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:13/11/2025 07:43

And now completely closed from Crediton to Barnstaple

Alternatively, You may use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the following local bus services between Exeter and Barnstaple:

Good for any journey whose ticket has not yet been bought. It will be cheaper.

Cancellations to services between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
 
Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple the line is closed.

Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 02:00 17/11.

Could express coach/s be supplied at Tiverton Parkway,with a non stop service to Barnstaple?