O how long, Okehampton?

[Sun Chariot]

Whilst in Devon last weekend, ostensibly to photograph the Dainton action, I headed over to the delightfully restored Oakhampton station, on Dartmoor's fringe. And took a trip to & from Exeter Central, albeit on an Arriva Wales (!) Sprinter. A timeless and scenic route.
I believe the Sunday-only service was introduced end-May, the line from Crediton having been closed to passengers since 1972, and runs until mid-Sept.
Passenger loading was less than 20 people each way; much as I'd like FGW to extend the trial, I fear it may be a case of catch it while you can...

 

[The Planner]

I thought the summer services were a common thing ??

 

[Sun Chariot]

I would hope so. The posters at Oakhampton intimated that this summer is the first revival. My thought is more whether a bi-hourly Sunday service, with such low patronage, would fall permanent victim to a TOC cull come end of the Dartmoor-rambling season.

 

[matt]

I would hope so. The posters at Oakhampton intimated that this summer is the first revival. My thought is more whether a bi-hourly Sunday service, with such low patronage, would fall permanent victim to a TOC cull come end of the Dartmoor-rambling season.

I thought this service runs every year

 

[Sun Chariot]

Hmmm - then methinks that the 'first time running since 1972' station poster was't put up this year...d'oh!
Well, it still made for a pleasant mini-adventure. And, with the green Meldon thumper burbling away in the station too, it was a good way to round off the weekend (the four hour drive back home notwithstanding...)

 

[bnm]

Summer Sundays to Okey have been running since 1997. Not sure what the poster you saw was intimating. Service is funded by Devon County Council so is protected in some ways from TOC culling.

 

[richw]

initially i believe the sunday services were going to be operated by the dartmoor railway as an open access operator this year for the first time, however they've suffered issues with their locomotive, and access to Exeter, and FGW are covering the route until this is sorted, FGW, Wessex and their predecessors have been doing this sunday only route for quite a few years now,
see dartmoor rail website for more info
http://www.dartmoor-railway.co.uk/