- Okehampton Interchange station officially opened to passengers, providing a new transport gateway with a 200 space car park and £2 all-day parking.
- The £18 million Okehampton Interchange provides an extra stop between the town's station and Crediton on the Dartmoor Line.
- Passenger services began today, marking a significant milestone for the community after years of campaigning.
- The station's opening follows the return of passenger services from Okehampton to Exeter in November 2021, which has exceeded expectations with around 400,000 journeys annually.
- The project was funded by a £13.5 million grant from the government and match funding from local councils.
- OkeRail, a group that campaigned for the return of passenger services, played a crucial role in the station's development.
The Okehampton Interchange, a new £18 million transport hub, officially opened to passengers, featuring a 200-space car park with £2 all-day parking.12
Sir Mel Stride, speaking at the opening, emphasized the station's role in restoring hope after train services were cut 55 years ago, stating, "It will bring a meaningful difference to people's lives - from those studying apprenticeships at Exeter College to job opportunities."
The interchange aims to facilitate travel to Exeter and beyond, with its strategic location near the A30.
Mandy Ewings, leader of West Devon Borough Council, highlighted its importance for connecting rural Devon and Cornwall, while Michael Ireland, founder of OkeRail, noted the station's potential to promote sustainable transport.7
The station is expected to ease traffic pressures and enhance accessibility, with Joanna Grew from Network Rail stating, "This new station is another important step in making rail travel easier and more accessible for all across the region."
The project was made possible through a £13.5 million government grant and local funding, with services having resumed in November 2021, leading to approximately 400,000 journeys annually.5
Jacqi Hodgson from Devon County Council expressed hopes that the interchange would encourage sustainable travel choices among residents.
“The £18m interchange follows the 2021 return of Dartmoor Line services between Okehampton and Exeter, which now see around 400,000 journeys a year. OkeRail founder Michael Ireland called it 18 years' work, while the council's Kernow Connect project proposes a rail corridor linking Okehampton with Launceston and Bodmin.”
Devon Live
