Budget funds new regular ExeterOkehampton passenger services

CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak committed more than £40 million to reinstate passenger services between Okehampton to Exeter in his March 3 Budget.

Last year, the Government pledged to deliver on its manifesto commitment to spend £500 million to restore transport services previously lost in the 1960s Beeching cuts, including the former Southern Railway route, part of which is now the Dartmoor Railway.

The Chancellor's document states: “This Budget will also unlock more than £40 million of funding to reinstate passenger services on the Okehampton Exeter line, subject to final approval of costs and contracts. These investments will provide good quality transport links between communities, and improve employment opportunities across these areas.”