Signalling improvements will affect train services in Devon and Cornwall this spring.
Cornwall signalling upgrade
Network Rail has successfully carried out a multi-million pound programme to improve the signalling in Cornwall. Older-style signals and signalling equipment have been replaced with brand-new, modern technology. This will help to improve train service reliability and reduce delays incurred by signalling issues.
Devon signalling upgrade
Network Rail is currently carrying out upgrade work to improve the signalling between Totnes and Plymouth.
As a result, the railway between Totnes and Plymouth will be closed between Saturday 16 and Friday 22 March. This will include Exeter St Davids to Newton Abbot over the weekend and on most weeknights during this period.
When trains will be affected
Saturday 16 to Thursday 21 March inclusive
This closure will affect trains in South Devon over two phases:
- Weekend of 16 and 17 March – line closed between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth
- Monday 18 to Thursday 21 March – line closed between Totnes and Plymouth (extending to Exeter St Davids after 21:40 each night)
How services will be affected
Parking arrangements
A significant number of parking spaces will be suspended at Tiverton Parkway and Totnes stations for the rail replacement services.
Night Riviera sleeper service
While these upgrades take place, the Night Riviera will run to an amended schedule.
For more information and a full list of dates the Night Riviera is affected visit our Night Riviera Sleeper page.
Replacement buses
Shortage of replacement buses
Due to a national shortage of bus drivers, we may have to reduce our planned timetable. If we do need to make changes, we’ll confirm these in advance here. We strongly recommend allowing plenty of time to make your journey if it involves a replacement bus as capacity may be limited.
Replacement bus stop locations
Buses will stop at the front of the station, except at the following locations.
| Station | Replacement bus stop location |
|---|---|
| Dawlish Warren | Bus stops on main road by the turning circle |
| Exeter St Thomas | Cowick Street bus stops by shopping precinct (to Exeter St Davids) or bus stop outside the station (to Newton Abbot) |
| Marsh Barton | Bus stops on Grace Road Central |
| Starcross | Bus stops on A379 outside the station |
Can’t see your station in this list?
This means that replacement buses will stop at the front of the station or in the station car park.
For details of replacement bus stop locations at any station in Great Britain, visit the National Rail website.
Facilities on replacement buses
We will provide coaches on most replacement bus services. Most of these will be equipped with toilet facilities which can be used at the driver’s discretion.
Have a question about our replacement buses?
Please visit our Replacement Buses page for all the information you need, including:
- Types of replacement buses we use
- Travelling with animals, bikes, pushchairs or large items of luggage
- Changing between train and bus
- Accessibility
Help with your journey
If you are not able to travel on our replacement services, an accessible taxi can be arranged for you. You can do this by:
- Booking assistance through our Passenger Assist programme
- Speaking to a member of staff at the station on the day of travel*
- Using the Help Point available at all of our stations on the day of travel*
*please allow additional time as an accessible taxi may not be available immediately. Booking in advance is the best way to ensure a smooth journey.
Still have questions?
If there is something you would like to ask us, get in touch with our team on social media, on Facebook or Twitter.