OkeRail is a forum made up of representatives from a variety of stakeholders. We have campaigned for the re-introduction of the passenger service between Okehampton and Exeter.
With services starting, we will continue campaigning for:
1. Continued improvements with the service
2. The construction of Okehampton Parkway station
3. The reinstatement of the ``Northern`` route to Plymouth via Tavistock
We're nearly there!
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okerail (2.9k)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/okerailofficial (280)
Establishment of OkeRail
OkeRail was formed in 2015 after a visit of Patrick McLoughlin, who was the Secretary of State for Transport at the time. He had come to Devon to see the damage of the Dawlish wall after the storm.
Mr McLoughlin was very clear. The community had to speak with one voice. A number of groups were trying to do very worthwhile things at the time, but it was clear – that working together would get better results.
OkeRail’s purpose was to bring all interested parties and stakeholders together to work on a common approach towards reopening the line.
OkeRail forum has been responsible for many important aspects of the campaign. These include collecting data through a variety of methods, using rail experience to be able to understand how a solution could be formed and presenting the argument for the case to anyone who would listen!
Our key messages were threefold.
Firstly connectivity. South of Barnstaple, west of Exeter, and north of Padstow, there was no railway. We referred to this as the rail desert. By providing a rail head at Okehampton, it would provide new connectivity for over 100,000 people. It of course opens new opportunities of travel to new places.
Secondly economic regeneration. It is a fact that economic regeneration follows new railways. West Devon and Torridge districts have one of the lowest average wages in the country. The railway will provide new opportunities.
Thirdly to bring relief to an already busy transport corridor to Exeter.
The effort was worth it, and despite at times us thinking we weren’t making an impression – it became clear we actually were. We found that when we spoke to political leaders and people involved in the rail industry, they had heard of us and our message of OkeRail really was making an impression.
