Buses are not the answer

Barnstaple has ‘enjoyed’ for many years the luxury of Class 143/150 diesel multiple units, originally in either two-coach or single-coach formation, but lately in three-coach units to cope with the increasing number of travellers.

One Friday afternoon in June, the 1527 from Exeter St Davids arrived in two-coach formation with a horde of passengers waiting for it. Within seconds of opening its doors it was full and there was an apology for its late arrival, owing to a breakdown at Exeter Central.

However, relief was at hand. An announcement was made that for those who were going all the way to Barnstaple, a coach had been arranged and was outside the station.

But while the journey up the Taw Valley by train is a very scenic one, the 40+-mile journey by bus up the winding A377 can often take over an hour and a half. Is this now the answer instead of new rolling stock: if a train looks full, put on a bus? Bob Davis, Devon