FIRST Great Western ('FGW') has recently released figures
on the usage of the Tarka line between Barnstaple and
These show an increase in passenger numbers of 40% for
February 2008 compared with the same month last year.
This comes against an equally positive longer term trend
that has seen passenger journeys rocket from 199,295 in
2001 to 301,131 in 2007, representing a 51% increase
over that period.
I believe that the Tarka has huge potential going forward
and yet it faces a key challenge and one that I took up
with FGW's chief operating officer during a recent
meeting. That of the provision of appropriate and
sufficient rolling stock.
This is an issue of some concern as the Tarka currently
runs with Class 142s (or 'Pacers') which are very basic
two-wheeled carriages that tend to 'see-saw' as they
travel. Consequently, they do not provide the most
comfortable long distance ride.
If the line is to realise its full potential as a serious
commuter option then I believe the 142s will need to be
phased out.
Resources, of course, are always tight and there are a
number of rail operators scrabbling for a limited supply of
modern rolling stock but we must hope that FGW do
secure appropriate upgraded carriages in the not too
distant future. With oil at well over a hundred dollars a
barrel and a proven record of consistent growth in
passenger numbers the Tarka line has truly exciting
potential.
Mel Stride
Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for
Central Devon