IIRC▸ the
GW▸ RUS▸ suggested that there was no real business case for additional Axminster services yet, it was better to run more trains on the Paignton to Exmouth route. However Cranbrook will probably tip the balance:
The Great Western RUS Draft for Consultation recommended a change to the local area
service pattern with the introduction of a half hourly Paignton to Exmouth service and an
hourly Barnstaple to St James Park service commencing in 2018 extending cross-Exeter
journey opportunities. However, during the consultation period this has been reviewed in
line with FGW▸ replacement services west of Exeter, and taking cognisance of consultation
responses, a new option is recommended.
This maintains the existing hourly services between Barnstaple and Exmouth and
Paignton and Exmouth and introduces an additional hourly service between Paignton
and St James Park. With the improved frequency and crowding relief, the business
case is sufficient to be able to recommend the implementation of this scheme at the earlier
date of 2016.
The RUS also reviewed the extension of this new Paignton to St James Park service to
Axminster, calling at Pinhoe, Honiton and the new Cranbrook station, to improve connectivity
and to achieve the aspiration of a half hourly Exeter St Davids to Axminster service.
However, in line with the analysis that was previously undertaken, the scheme requires
infrastructure works which the business case fails to support. An alternative option was
reviewed, which would provide a two-hourly service through extending from St James
Park to Axminster on alternate hours, which can be achieved on the current infrastructure.
However, the appraisal results generate a BCR▸ of 1.2 which is beneath the necessary
threshold of 1.5 to be able to recommend it. The analysis did prove that the additional
service is operationally feasible, and identified the required infrastructure in order to achieve
an additional hourly service. Although there is not a sufficient business case at present to be
able to recommend the options, the proposals should be reviewed with third party funding
opportunities and in line with predicted growth and patronage of the new Cranbrook station
as this could potentially result in a positive business case in the future.
Paul
