Railfuture is frequently quoted by the media in newspapers, transport magazines, online and on radio and television.
Below are some recent examples of Railfuture being reported. If you know of any we've missed, then email media at railfuture.org.uk with details.
16th August - LBC
Liberal Democrat MP Adam Dance is arguing in favour of cutting rail fares for passengers over 30. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears on Matthew Wright's breakfast show to support this idea and argues for greater investment in the railways. Listen here or download here.
11th August - Exmouth Journal
"New Okehampton Interchange railway station opens in Devon" with photos from Railfuture's regional branch chair Tim Steer and comments from him and national Board Director for Infrastructure & Networks Roger Blake.
9th August - BBC One
BBC East Midlands Today focuses on the problematic introduction of the Aurora bimode trains. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is interviewed, arguing for full electrification of the Midland Main LIne. Watch here on YouTube.
4th August - LBC News
The validity of the 16-17 Saver railcard is being extended so that it remains valid once the holder turns 18. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited on to the breakfast show and welcomes the idea of keeping young people in the railway habit for longer. Listen here or download here.
31st July - The Moorlander
"Okehampton Interchange officially opens as town celebrates major rail milestone" - Railfuture also welcomed the opening, recognising the years of work that led to the station becoming a reality, with quotes from Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture Devon and Cornwall regional branch.
24th July - Crediton Courier
"Modernisation momentum maintained for North Devon rail line" - a brief report of the 9th July workshop held in Exeter by the Railfuture-instigated Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, with a quote from Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair Tim Steer.
22nd July - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Campaign winning numbers game. Supporters of Tarka Line upgrade heartened by latest surge in rail service passenger figures" - further report of Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance stakeholders workshop with quotes from Alliance Convener Roger Blake and Tim Steer, Chair of Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch.
17th July - Exmouth Journal
"Railfuture £10,000 boost to North Devon railway campaign" - article again includes photos and quotes featuring Roger Blake, Railfuture's national Board Director for Infrastructure & Networks and Convener of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, and Tim Steer, Chair of Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch.
17th July - Exeter Today
"Exeter MP backs campaign for faster, more reliable rail link to North Devon" - article quotes from MP's letter to recent Railfuture-organised workshop, and from Railfuture's Roger Blake and Tim Steer.
17th July - North Devon Today
"North Devon rail campaigners push for funding as Tarka Line records passenger surge" - article includes photos and quotes featuring Roger Blake, Railfuture's national Board Director for Infrastructure & Networks and Convener of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, and Tim Steer, Chair of Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch.
15th July - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Future hopes of reinstating Bideford rail link boosted" - headlines a full-page report making extensive use of Railfuture's press release.
9th July - North Devon Gazette
"Hopes for reinstated Bideford rail link kept alive as new Northern Devon Local Plan takes shape" as Railfuture said it does not take an active interest in the Lynton-Barnstaple line, as it operates as a heritage railway disconnected from the mainline network. Its focus remains on the Bideford link, for which the group said it now has four recent reports forming its own evidence base.
9th July - BBC News North East and Cumbria
Railfuture told the BBC it supported the playing of music at stations if it was shown to be helpful. Ian Walker, a committee member with the group's North East branch, is quoted.
7th July - BBC News Oxfordshire
Railfuture's Thames Valley regional branch chair Richard Stow concerned about lack of rail priority in latest study. "Clearly rail is a very high capital cost, but the benefits after you've done it are tremendous."
30th June - Devon Today
"New Northern Devon Local Plan could help bring back two railway lines" - a report based on Railfuture's press release.
26th June - LBC News
The heatwave is causing disruption to the rail network. Why is this, and what can be done to mitigate it? Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears on the breakfast show to offer his thoughts. Listen here or download here.
25th June - Modern Railways
"Exeter Central improvements completed" - Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair Tim Steer was invited to the official ceremony on 2nd June. Complemented by "£2.7m transformation delivers safer, more accessible experience at Exeter Central" from Network Rail.
24th June - Yorkshire Post
Yorkshire branch chair Nina Smith has a letter published in the paper. She writes: "The stark fact is Northern Rail does not have enough trains. Northern has been very successful in attracting leisure passengers, and weekend train loadings on many lines are now well above preCovid levels. But it does not have enough trains and because of that, wrong decisions are sometimes made as to how they are allocated."
24th June - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Gridlock: 'better bus service' is not the answer" headlines an article by columnist and "rail transport campaigner Tim Steer (who) can see improvements coming down the line."
22nd June - BBC News Devon
"Lows and highs of 10-week gas work road closure" on the B3233 between Bideford and Barnstaple, the former A39, with a quote from Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair: "Tim Steer from campaign group Railfuture said in the long term the line should be reinstated to provide another way of travelling between the towns."
On the day the works started, local resident Tim had provided the photo for North Devon Today.
15th June - North Devon Today
"North Devon gridlock: Why a 'better bus service' is not the answer to 11 months of roadworks" writes Tim Steer, Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair, as months of works by Wales & West Utilities start on the bus route connecting Bideford with Barnstaple.
8th June - Exeter Today
"Exeter Central gets £2.7m overhaul to help end peak-time bottlenecks" - photo by invited guest Tim Steer, Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair; see ExeterCentral03.
7th June - Devon Today
"Tavistock rail campaigners warn Plymouth faces traffic gridlock" - report of recent visit to Tavistock by Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair Tim Steer and branch secretary Alan Clark to meet chair of TavyRail (recently affiliated to Railfuture) Richard Searight and other members.
4th June - Crediton Courier
"Full steam ahead clearing rail route for future" - further report of TavyRail campaigners keeping a footpath on a former track clear as they team with national pressure group Railfuture.
31st May - LBC
On the day that Govia Thameslink reverts to public ownership, Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited on to Matthew Wright's breakfast show to talk about what difference this will make for passengers. Listen here or download here.
29th May - Tavistock Times Gazette
"Full steam ahead clearing rail route for future" - report of TavyRail campaigners keeping a footpath on a former track clear as they team with national pressure group Railfuture.
28th May - BBC Radio Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire branch chair David Harby is invited onto the breakfast show to discuss East Midlands Railway's poor performance, with overcrowding, broken air conditioning and horrendous toilets amongst the complaints. Listen here or download here.
27th May - LBC News
The heatwave has caused disruption to many services. What should the industry be doing to cope with this? Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson offers his thoughts. Listen here or download here.
26th May - BBC News
The government is planning to roll out high capacity wifi on trains across the country, following a successful trial using new technology.
Railfuture is quoted, saying it was "absolutely right that reliability and capacity increase", calling WiFi "not just an add-on or a luxury". Spokesman Bruce Williamson said patchy WiFi was not the "top priority" for passengers - "the key issues remain the cost of travel, overcrowding and reliability....But anything we can do to attract people onto the railways has got to be a good thing."
20th May - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Route ahead is unclear: next stop is GWR nationalisation" - a report based on Railfuture Devon & Cornwall regional branch's earlier press release about Mid-Cornwall Metro and lessons for the North Devon Line.
Also a letter "Case for rail" from chair Tim Steer as the Bideford-Barnstaple corridor faces months of utility works disrupting bus services.
A second article "How will GWR nationalisation affect rail users in our region?" in which Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture’s Devon and Cornwall regional branch and a Tarka Line campaigner, urged readers not to expect immediate change.
17th May - LBC
In an unusual move, Railfuture is asked to comment on motoring issues. It has been suggested that speed limits could be reduced to conserve fuel whilst the US-Iran crisis is threatening supplies through the straits of Hormuz. Spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited on to Matthew Wright's breakfast show to comment on this, and of course he manages to give the railways a plug. Listen here or download here.
14th May - North Devon Today
"Tarka Line improvements move to 'next phase' - but no timeline and no funding confirmed"
Campaign group Railfuture pointed in a press release to the launch of improved timetables on Cornwall's Newquay line as a model North Devon should follow, and Devon and Cornwall chair Tim Steer said the project should inspire action closer to home.
The same report was carried in The Moorlander.
13th May - Oxford Mail
GWR will return to public ownership in December and the paper reports that this "should lead to better value fares". Dave Richardson of Thames Valley branch is quoted:
"We welcome any reform of how our railways are run that would lead to simpler and better value fares, which is part of the Great British Railways initiative. Bringing together GWR and the part of Network Rail responsible for its routes would also be welcome if it would deliver a more reliable railway.”
13th May - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Rail link revival ‘excellent idea’ but it ‘remains complicated’" says a Devon County and North Devon District Councillor, mentioning the campaigning by the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance.
"Rail minister hints at Tarka Line help" as North Devon MP Ian Roome expresses hope to meet the government’s Rail Minister to press for action on the Tarka Line.
"Rail line action" heads a brief letter, coincidentally and inadvertently drawing attention to the subject of Railfuture Devon & Cornwall's press release!
11th May - North Devon Today
"GWR nationalisation: will it make any difference for the Tarka Line?" Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch and a Tarka Line campaigner, urges readers not to expect immediate change.
The same item was carried by The Moorlander and Torbay Weekly
11th May - ITV News West Country (West)
"Government promises more reliable trains as date set for the return of GWR into public ownership" - tv evening news report includes a brief segment with Tim Steer, Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair, from 0:02:13.
11th May - North Devon Today
"North Devon MP seeks meeting with Rail Minister over Tarka Line storm closures" referencing the March meeting of the Railfuture-instigated Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance at which Ian Roome MP addressed over 60 delegates.
The same item was carried by The Moorlander
9th May - North Devon Today
"Bideford rail return an 'excellent idea' but it 'remains complicated', says councillor" - Campaigns to reconnect Bideford to the national rail network have been gathering pace, with the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (instigated by Railfuture in December 2023) actively pushing for an extension of the Tarka Line from Barnstaple.
The same item was carried by The Moorlander
6th May - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Rail link will give businesses positive signal to drive growth" says Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair, Tim Steer.
3rd May - LBC
The station discusses the problem of fare evasion. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited on to the programme to add his thoughts. Listen here or download here.
3rd May - North Devon Gazette
"Why the Bideford rail link is about more than just 'playing with trains'"
Tim Steer (Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair) says the project will tackle congestion and help secure future local services.
29th April - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Bideford rail campaigners face long wait for first train" - report of Roger Blake, infrastructure director for Railfuture and acting convenor of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA), addressing the Torridge and North Devon Joint Planning Policy Committee on Friday, April 24 to update elected members on progress towards a potential reinstatement of rail services to the town.
See also the leading letter "Rail link revival gets my vote", and others.
27th April - North Devon Today
"'No timetable' for Bideford rail link as project builds case for return" - Roger Blake, Infrastructure Director for Railfuture and acting convenor of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA), addressed the Torridge and North Devon Joint Planning Policy Committee on Friday 24 April.
The same story was carried by Exeter Today and Torbay Today and The Moorlander.
24th April - Devon Today
"Rail link dream for Bideford inches forward but long road still lies ahead" - Infrastructure director for Railfuture Roger Blake, speaking to the Torridge and North Devon Joint Planning Policy Committee, said the scheme would need to pass through a series of formal assessments before any construction could be considered.
19th April - LBC
Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears on Matthew Wright's programme to respond to the proposal by the TSSA union to make public transport free of charge. Listen here or download here.
15th April - North Devon Today
"Tarka Line extension sparks fierce debate across North Devon" with several references to the third annual Convention of the Railfuture-instigated Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance in March.
Sub-headings: "A Legacy of ‘Patch-and-Mend’" and "The Bideford Conversation" then "The Road Ahead" and "Timeline"
The same report appeared in Torbay Today
15th April - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Light at end of tunnel is a long way off for some - Link a ‘strategic economic risk’" - a double-page spread, mentioning the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance which "has been developing a credible, fundable modernisation programme." Also including "‘One day we took £18’ - the café counting the cost of disruption on the Tarka Line"
See also the letter "Better Connected" from Railfuture's Tim Steer and Roger Blake, and others.
14th April - North Devon Today
"Token systems and overgrown platforms: inside the Tarka Line's Victorian infrastructure" - "a system no different now than when rail campaigner Tim Steer's great grandfather William Steer was the signalman in the same signal box in the early 1900s." Tim Steer, needing no further introduction!
The same report appeared in Torbay Today
13th April - Devon Today
"DEVON VOICES : “We need more modern trains that can cope with booming demand!”" by Tim Steer.
Tim is chair of Railfuture’s Devon and Cornwall branch. Born and bred in Barnstaple, Tim’s journey into rail campaigning has been both personal and rooted in the community.
9th April - North Devon Journal
"In for long haul: little steam taken out of campaigners' bid to reinstate rail link with acceptance of just how difficult task ahead will be" - further reporting of Torridge District Council’s External Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 1st April.
9th April - Crediton Courier
"Bideford to Barnstaple rail dream could be 13 years away if no 'red flags'" - further reporting of Torridge District Council’s External Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 1st April, with the opening presentation from Railfuture's national Infrastructure Director Roger Blake; watch YouTube.
8th April - Oxford Mail
Under the headline "Petition calls for progress on Oxford to Cambridge trainline", David Richardson, spokesperson for Thames Valley branch, said: "We wholeheartedly support this petition and would urge anyone wanting to see better rail services in Oxford to support it. We have suffered major disruption while the new bridge at Oxford station is put in to support an extra platform and new rail services, yet here we have a restored rail route that is open to freight trains but no passenger services are running. Any further delay would be very, very frustrating"
8th April - North Devon Today
"North Devon's vital rail link declared a 'strategic economic risk' by council" - report of today's County Council Cabinet decision.
The report concludes "The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, which includes representatives from Torridge, Mid-Devon and multiple town and parish councils, has been developing a credible, fundable modernisation programme."
The same story was carried by Exeter Today and The Moorlander and Torbay Today
8th April - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"MP tells rail ministers: don’t forget Tarka Line" is the front page headline.
"Exhausted passengers deserve much better service" is a double-page feature including "The Bideford extension: ambition or pipe dream?" following the journalist's tour of the North Devon Line with Railfuture's regional branch Chair for Devon and Cornwall Tim Steer.
6th April - North Devon Today
"Poll – what do you think of reopening the railway from Bideford to Barnstaple?" asks an online survey. Railfuture was named in the question "Do you think running the line beside the (Tarka) trail would be an issue, or a benefit and a boost for the trail?"
6th April - Exeter Today
"Exeter passengers fed up with 35-year-old trains? This group is fighting to replace them" - the Railfuture-affiliated Salisbury to Exeter Rail User Group: the passengers fighting for better trains on the Exeter to London Waterloo line.
The same story is carried by Torbay Today and The Moorlander
5th April - North Devon Today
"Tarka Trail 'will not be taken away', rail campaigner insists" - the Tarka Trail will not be lost to a proposed Barnstaple to Bideford railway extension, says North Devon rail campaigner Tim Steer.
The same story was carried by Exeter Today and The Moorlander and Torbay Today
5th April - North Devon Gazette
"What next for the Tarka Line?" - watch 1:26 clip, featuring the ubiquitous Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair Tim Steer!
3rd April - North Devon Today
"Return of Bideford to Barnstaple railway ‘could be at least 13 years away’" - an extended report of Torridge District Council’s External Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on the 1st, with Railfuture's national Infrastructure Director Roger Blake's opening presentation of the study results. Watch YouTube.
3rd April - Devon Live
"Bideford to Barnstaple rail dream could be 13 years away - There are lots of challenges to overcome" - following yesterday's Railfuture press release, a report of Torridge District Council’s External Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on the 1st, with Railfuture's national Infrastructure Director Roger Blake presenting results of an economic appraisal with engineering feasibility study which had been part-funded by the Council.
1st April - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"MP: railway to Bideford is ‘essential’" - report of the 20th March meeting in Bideford between Torridge & Tavistock MP Sir Geoffrey Cox KC and "the “indefatigable” team from Railfuture, including Tim Steer, a long-standing campaigner and chair of the organisation’s Devon and Cornwall branch."
The accompanying report was headed "Rail disruption from floods five times worse in 10 years."
25th March - Devon Today
"Fresh backing for Bideford rail link as leaders call for urgent action" - report of meeting between Tim Steer, Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair for Railfuture and Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP at the town’s former railway station, to discuss the next steps.
25th March - North Devon Today
"The Bideford rail link is already being built" - article author Railfuture's Tim Steer believes the "building work" has begun, with a Bideford station projected to rank in the UK's top 1,000.
(NOTE: the 'new to rail' figure quoted for Bideford station users should actually be 89%).
Same report in Torbay Today.
25th March - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Modern rail link could end Bideford’s 60-year wait" - report on the Preliminary Strategic Business Case authored by Railfuture member Peter West OBE CMILT, independent adviser to the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance.
"The Bideford rail link is already being built" - article by Tim Steer, Railfuture Devon and Cornwall Regional Branch Chair.
24th March - North Devon Today
"Bideford rail extension 'essential' as MP highlights strategic value" - Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP (Torridge & Tavistock) meets Railfuture's Tim Steer at the former Bideford station.
23rd March - News from Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP Torridge & Tavistock
"Sir Geoffrey supports Tarka Line extension to Bideford" - watch YouTube as he declares "Tim has been indefatigable on behalf of Railfuture".
23rd March - North Devon Today
"Plans for a 'modern train service' to Bideford could drive economic growth" - the Preliminary Strategic Business Case has been authored by Railfuture member Peter West OBE CMILT, independent adviser to the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance.
21st March - BBC News North East and Cumbria
"Will Northumberland Line success help more open?" - Dennis Fancett, chair of the rail users group SENRUG, and Ian Walker of Railfuture North East are both quoted, although the BBC made a mistake. He's not branch chair - that's Lee Davies.
18th March - RAIL
"Network Rail sets out what could be done to improve Exeter-Barnstaple line" reports RAIL, after speaking with Network Rail's Senior Strategic Planner Andrew Robinson at the Railfuture-convened Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance’s third annual meeting held on 6th March.
(NOTE: the article is INCORRECT to state that the Coradia Class 175 trains are equipped with Selective Door Opening - they do NOT have SDO).
18th March - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Network Rail’s blueprint to transform Tarka Line - plan includes two trains an hour" headlines the front page, reporting a study published during the 3rd annual Convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance while their Senior Strategic Planner (Western) was addressing the more than 60 delegates on the very subject! Inside page "Transport failures hit students" and letter "Future-proof this crucial rail link."
14th March - Crediton Courier
"Tarka Line boom sparks calls for major upgrades" - An overwhelming increase in passenger use on the North Devon (Tarka) line and the urgent need for the modernising and extending of the line and its train services was highlighted at the third annual convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, convened by Railfuture who instigated the Alliance in late-2023.
13th March - Devon Today
"Rail passenger boom in Devon puts pressure on ageing trains" - report of talk given to the Railfuture-convened 3rd annual Convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance by Matt Barnes, GWR's Head of Strategic Service Development.
13th March - Devon Today
"Rail bosses reveal chaos as storm shut lines across Devon and Cornwall" - report of talk given to the Railfuture-convened 3rd annual Convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance by David Whiteway, GWR's Regional Growth Manager (West).
12th March - Devon Today
"MPs warn Devon rail network is failing passengers after storm chaos" - report of talk given to the Railfuture-convened 3rd annual Convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (instigated by Railfuture in late-2023) by North Devon MP Ian Roome, including statement submitted by Exeter MP Steve Race.
11th March - North Devon Today
"'Closures will occur again,' warns Network Rail as sonar trial underway on North Devon line" - during the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance convention in Eggesford on Friday, March 6, Network Rail representatives outlined the 'invisible' threat of 'scour.'
The same report was carried by Exeter Today and Torbay Today.
11th March - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"United in mission to transform Tarka Line" headlines the front page, subtitled "Summit of powerful rail figureheads puts action on agenda for fragile railway infrastructure" with page 2 devoted to "Summit hears Tarka Line ‘patch and mend’ is over" (with photo of Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall branch standing by the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance campaign banner) and the whole of page 3 headed "Call for Tarka Line to be a ‘reliable, modern and well-connected service’"
10 March - North Devon Today
"North Devon students missing college over "expensive and unreliable" transport"
9th March - North Devon Today
"North Devon rail: Stakeholders meet to discuss future of Tarka Line" - industry leaders and MPs warn, at the third annual convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA) on Friday, March 6 in Eggesford, that the North Devon railway is at a breaking point, as record passenger growth collides with failing Victorian-era infrastructure and severe weather disruption.
Exeter Today and Torbay Today and The Moorlander all carried the same report.
9th March - Europe Says (from Luxembourg!)
"North Devon rail: Infrastructure failure hitting an area 'twice the size of Luxembourg'" - the North Devon railway is facing a critical reckoning, as a combination of infrastructure failures, climate-driven disruption, and a surge in passenger demand leaves the region increasingly cut off from the national network.
Torbay Today carried the same report.
7th March - North Devon Today
"Northern Devon rail development: Future priorities outlined at annual meeting" - includes video interviews with Railfuture's regional branch chair for Devon & Cornwall Tim Steer, and independent adviser to the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance Peter West OBE CMILT.
4th March - RAIL
"More faults than expected delay GWR’s ‘175’ rollout after long-term storage"
Tim Steer, Railfuture Devon and Cornwall Branch Chair, told RAIL he didn’t expect to see the units on the Tarka Line this year. Milsom refused to be drawn on when the first ‘175s’ will reach Barnstaple.
4th March - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"‘Dear rail minister, we could be forgiven for losing hope’" is the headline over the full-page report, with "Dismay of Tarka Line passengers" heading a side column. Ken Miles, Chief Executive of North Devon Council, told the Gazette that the Council has now formally resolved to join the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (instigated by Railfuture in late-2023).
3rd March - North Devon Today
"Concerns raised over 'vulnerability' of vital North Devon rail link" as Ken Miles, Chief Executive of North Devon Council, told the Gazette: “North Devon Council has now formally resolved to join the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance" (instigated by Railfuture in late-2023 and holding its third annual Convention for around 60 representatives of over 40 partner and stakeholder organisations later this week.
26th February - Devon Today
"Passengers left ‘waiting for a pumpkin’ on rail line" - in which the Railfuture-affiliated Salisbury-Exeter Rail Users Group (SERUG) is cited during a Westminster Hall debate on local transport and planning developments on Tuesday, 24th February.
25th February - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
Tarka Line action plea" - front page headline, sub-titled: "Rail campaigners and politicians want urgent upgrade as fragile Barnstaple-to-Exeter link reopens after taking winter storm battering" and report continued on page 2. Full page report on page 3: "Campaigners warn: fragile Tarka Line is now risk to local economy" with Railfuture Devon & Cornwall regional branch and Tim Steer as its chair mentioned, and including "The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA) now provides a "mature, cross-sector vehicle" for the project."
24th February - Devon Today
"Councillors demand action over Barnstaple to Exeter line" runs the headline as Tim Steer, regional branch chair of Railfuture Devon and Cornwall, addressing the meeting of Barnstaple Town Council under Public Participation, said that the North Devon, or Tarka, line had been shut multiple times since November last year due to extreme weather.
23rd February - North Devon Today
"North Devon must move beyond 'patch-and-mend' following 24-day rail closure" with another quote from Railfuture's Barnstaple-based Devon & Cornwall regional branch Chair: "As Tim Steer puts it: “A resilient Tarka Line will be public transport which you can depend on; one which you can plan your life around with confidence.”"
20th February - North Devon Today
"Tarka Line reopens as campaigners say: 'Patch and mend' infrastructure not fit for purpose"
Trains from Barnstaple have not departed in 24 days, marking a period of significant isolation for North Devon as flood repairs finally come to an end. Tim Steer, Chair of the Devon and Cornwall regional branch of Railfuture, argues that the current infrastructure is failing the people of North Devon and is quoted at length.
Although not mentioning Railfuture or the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance in the article, Exeter City Football Club are reported to have thrown their weight behind calls for Tarka Line investment, as North Devon Grecians have faced travel disruption.
18th February - Crediton Courier
"Future still looks grim for the Tarka Line’s full reopening"
Tim Steer, Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair of Railfuture, is quoted as saying to Tarka Line friends and groups on social media: “I personally can only imagine how disappointed you all are."
18th February - North Devon Today
Report includes a mention of Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture Devon and Cornwall, and this: "The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA) now provides a “mature, cross-sector vehicle” for the project. The alliance includes Torridge and Mid-Devon Councils, with a motion to include North Devon Council expected to be brought this month." The NDRDA was instigated by Railfuture in late-2023 and now embraces over three dozen partner and stakeholder organisations.
12th February - RAIL
"Calls to invest in Devon line described as "not fit for purpose""
Tim Steer, Railfuture Devon and Cornwall Branch Chair, lives in Barnstaple. He said users have seen “serious problems due to rain” since 2020. The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (instigated by Railfuture in late-2023) has compiled a preliminary strategic business case for modernising the route, due to be unveiled next month.
Postscript: reported as their most-read article that week!
12th February - North Devon Journal
"'Lasting action on rail line is critical'" says the front page headline, and underneath "MP to meet Network Rail as petition calling for investment in Tarka Line tops 3,000 as it goes to Parliament"
Inside report "Calls to prioritise the Tarka Line for investment as rail petition tops 3000" with Railfuture's Tim Steer quoted: "It's also deeply disappointing that this prolonged disruption is thwarting the continued success of the line."
11th February - North Devon Gazette
"Calls for action to make rail link more resilient" says the front page caption. Inside: "Tarka Line lack of resilience is ‘ruining daily lives of many’"
Tim Steer, a North Devon resident and chair of the Devon and Cornwall branch of Railfuture, a voluntary organisation campaigning for better railways, said the repeated closures were causing chaos for passengers and businesses alike.
9th February - Devon Live
"Devon rail plea signed by 3,000 people goes to parliament - repeated floods and cancellations have left many in the lurch"
As North Devon MP Ian Roome formally presented a petition to parliament calling for action and investment to future-proof the Tarka Line and improve reliability for passengers across the area who rely on the train service, Tim Steer, Railfuture’s regional Devon and Cornwall chair, said: "We shall continue to collaborate with anyone who shares our aspirations for a bigger, better railway for northern Devon."
7th February - Western Morning News
"3,000 people back call for investment in rail line" as North Devon MP Ian Roome presents petition to Parliament, and Tim Steer, Railfuture’s regional Devon and Cornwall chair, said: “Getting to and from work, education, health and other appointments such as job interviews, public events and even social activities, all are being thrown into chaos ......”
6th February - BBC News
"Petition for rail investment handed to Parliament" - the Tarka Line remains closed after Storm Chandra brought heavy rain last month.
Tim Steer, the Devon and Cornwall chairman of campaigning group Railfuture, said those relying on the line to get to work, school or health appointments were being "thrown into chaos. Prolonged disruption is thwarting the continued success of the line," he added.
6th February - DevonAir Radio
"Petition of 3,000 names calling for rail line resilience presented to parliament" - Railfuture's Tim Steer said: “We shall continue to collaborate with anyone who shares our aspirations for a bigger, better railway for northern Devon.”
6th February - Radio Exe
"Thousands of residents call for Tarka Line investment"
As Exeter and Barnstaple route remains closed, Tim Steer, Railfuture’s regional Devon and Cornwall chair, said: “Getting to and from work, education, health and other appointments such as job interviews, public events and even social activities, all are being thrown into chaos because our rail line is not a fit-for-purpose lifeline, something which can be depended on as it must be.”
5th February - Doncaster Free Press
"Doncaster MP’s rail petition surpasses 1,000 signatures as support grows" reads the headline, with a picture of tne Doncaster East MP Lee Pitcher in front of a Railfuture banner. The campaign seeks to restore the level of local rail service that existed prior to the pandemic. The article continues: "The campaign team is currently working with local transport experts and members of national rail advocacy group Railfuture to draft proposals that can be presented to the rail operators."
5th February - North Devon Today
"Storm damage keeps Tarka Line closed as commuters call for urgent investment"
Watch clip of North Devon MP Ian Roome presenting his petition in the the House of Commons chamber.
Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture for Devon and Cornwall, called the ongoing disruption “intensely frustrating” and said the line needed long-term investment. “Getting to work, education and appointments is being thrown into chaos because our rail line is not a fit-for-purpose lifeline. The case to secure transformational investment has never been stronger.”
The same report was carried in Exeter Today
5th February - North Devon Journal
"Campaign on track to build a case for restoring lost rail connection" as "Safety checks to rail line hampered by ongoing wet weather warnings" - a timely reality check!
4th February - North Devon Today
"Tarka Line closures leave North Devon passengers ‘thrown into chaos’, says rail campaigner"
Tim Steer, chair of the Devon & Cornwall branch of Railfuture, said daily travel for work, education, health appointments and social activities is being thrown into chaos, while a petition calling for long-term investment in the line has now gathered over 3,000 signatures.
The same report was carried in Exeter Today
2nd February - The Moorlander
"Campaigners step up push to reconnect Tavistock with national rail network"
TavyRail joins Railfuture as campaigners push to reopen Tavistock to Bere Alston rail line, with Devon County Council and Restoring Your Railway programme supporting proposals to improve Plymouth Metro connections and sustainable transport in West Devon. Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture’s Devon and Cornwall regional branch, said: "We are delighted to announce that TavyRail has become affiliated to Railfuture."
The same report was carried by North Devon Today and Torbay Today
29th January - Yorkshire Post
Yorkshire branch chair Nina Smith has a letter published, bemoaning two recent transport decisions. The first is the "frankly disgraceful decision to yet again delay a tram network for West Yorkshire," followed by "the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) announcement. Except that it was only partially NPR....We desperately need more ambition and more solid commitments."
29th January - North Devon Journal
"Growing calls made to upgrade rail line - 'desperately-needed improvements' to Tarka Line called for amid more flooding chaos and congestion fears" says the front page. Inside, "'Make rail line fit for purpose' says campaigner as flooding chaos back" - the campaigner being Railfuture's Tim Steer.
29th January - North Devon Today
"Passenger group calls for solutions after Tarka Line closed for third day in row" - the Barnstaple to Exeter Tarka Line remains closed this week, with no replacement bus services either and a passenger group is calling for action. Railfuture-affiliated North Devon Line Rail Promotion Group (formerly the Tarka Rail Association) and member of the Railfuture-instigated Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA), says there should be better rail replacement provision in the form of buses as the closure of the Tarka Line has created significant challenges for commuters, students and vulnerable passengers.
A similar report was carried by the Crediton Courier.
26th January - The Moorlander
"Rail chaos in Devon revives push for Tavistock route: ‘Mother nature will always win’"
Newly-affiliated to Railfuture, TavyRail are quoted as repeated weather damage on Devon’s coastal line is prompting MPs, rail groups and residents to revisit plans for a Tavistock and north Dartmoor railway.
26th January - Western Morning News
"Tarka Line issues are key priority for campaigners" - overcrowding on the trains and the need for extra capacity has been raised in Parliament by North Devon MP Ian Roome, Railfuture Devon and Cornwall branch chairman Tim Steer told the reporter.
26th January - Devon Live
"'Utopian vision' for new Devon link akin to Exeter/Exmouth: A campaign for better rail services is gathering pace - but desperately needed improvements remain the top priority" - new branch chairman of Railfuture in Devon and Cornwall Tim Steer says it’s been a long term desire to reconnect Bideford to Barnstaple but there would be no point until problems on the Tarka Line are resolved.
The same report featured in the Tiverton Mid Devon Gazette
25th January - Radio Exe
"Rail in North Devon needs to be “fit-for-purpose”" - a campaign to see passenger rail services return to Bideford is gathering pace but desperately needed improvements to the Barnstaple to Exeter (Tarka Line) line remains the top priority in North Devon. New branch chairman of Railfuture in Devon and Cornwall Tim Steer says it’s been a long term desire to reconnect Bideford to Barnstaple.
15th January - ITV
Yorkshire branch chair Nina Smith appears on the ITV Yorkshire regional news programme Calendar, to comment on the government's plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail.
14th January - LBC News
The government confirms that there will be a new line between Birmingham and Manchester, following its announcement of investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson welcomes this investment, but wants more. Listen here or download here.
14th January - BBC News
Following the government's announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail, two separate news stories quote Railfuture Yorkshire chair Nina Smith. The first is entitled "Hull 'failed again' by rail plans for North", and the second is "Regional leaders welcome £45bn rail boost plans". She says: "Trains are overcrowded and delays commonplace. Railfuture welcomes the government's commitment to invest in the North's railways, but we are concerned that the proposals do not go far enough and will not be delivered fast enough."
9th January - North Devon Today
North Devon rail update: milestones, new trains and future plans"
Tim Steer (Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair) writes: Another year has gone by and I am reflecting on what achievements and challenges we all had on the Devon rail network."
7th January - North Devon Gazette
"Expansion on agenda as rail campaigners plan for 2026 Local transport champion" - Tim Steer (Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair) looks back and ahead to plot future for passengers.
6th January - Crediton Courier
"Making tracks to Bideford: Railfuture Director to put case to Torridge Councillors" - Railfuture’s Roger Blake, who is the national Board Director for Infrastructure and Networks and also Acting Convener of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA), will be following up on the presentations given to study funders’ representatives at a Bideford workshop last September.
6th January - North Devon Today
"Plans to bring trains back to Bideford set for council discussion" - Torridge District Council is set to debate plans to reopen the line to Bideford, a campaign that Railfuture is very involved with.
Railfuture director Roger Blake is mentioned: "Mr Blake said a Bideford station could rank in the top 25 per cent, or even the top 20 per cent, of all mainline stations nationally, with socio-economic gains for the town and surrounding rural areas valued in the hundreds of millions of pounds."
The same report was carried in Torbay Weekly
5th January - BBC Radio Oxford and BBC Radio Berkshire
This year's rail fare freeze is welcomed by Dave Richardson of Thames Valley branch as he is invited onto the drive time show to discuss this and the return of the Great British Rail Sale. Listen here or download here.
1st January - BBC Radio Devon
Railfuture director Roger Blake is given plenty of airtime to discuss the prospects for reopening the line to Bideford, as well as the possibilities of many other potential rail projects in the South West. Listen here or download here.
Click HERE for previous examples of Railfuture in the media.
Media - For more information please contact:
Bruce Williamson, media spokesman
Tel: 0117 927 2954
Mobile: 07759 557389
Email: media at railfuture.org.uk
Apply to join Railfuture now - click HERE.
Below are some recent examples of Railfuture being reported. If you know of any we've missed, then email media at railfuture.org.uk with details.
2026
16th August - LBC
Liberal Democrat MP Adam Dance is arguing in favour of cutting rail fares for passengers over 30. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears on Matthew Wright's breakfast show to support this idea and argues for greater investment in the railways. Listen here or download here.
11th August - Exmouth Journal
"New Okehampton Interchange railway station opens in Devon" with photos from Railfuture's regional branch chair Tim Steer and comments from him and national Board Director for Infrastructure & Networks Roger Blake.
9th August - BBC One
BBC East Midlands Today focuses on the problematic introduction of the Aurora bimode trains. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is interviewed, arguing for full electrification of the Midland Main LIne. Watch here on YouTube.
4th August - LBC News
The validity of the 16-17 Saver railcard is being extended so that it remains valid once the holder turns 18. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited on to the breakfast show and welcomes the idea of keeping young people in the railway habit for longer. Listen here or download here.
31st July - The Moorlander
"Okehampton Interchange officially opens as town celebrates major rail milestone" - Railfuture also welcomed the opening, recognising the years of work that led to the station becoming a reality, with quotes from Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture Devon and Cornwall regional branch.
24th July - Crediton Courier
"Modernisation momentum maintained for North Devon rail line" - a brief report of the 9th July workshop held in Exeter by the Railfuture-instigated Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, with a quote from Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair Tim Steer.
22nd July - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Campaign winning numbers game. Supporters of Tarka Line upgrade heartened by latest surge in rail service passenger figures" - further report of Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance stakeholders workshop with quotes from Alliance Convener Roger Blake and Tim Steer, Chair of Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch.
17th July - Exmouth Journal
"Railfuture £10,000 boost to North Devon railway campaign" - article again includes photos and quotes featuring Roger Blake, Railfuture's national Board Director for Infrastructure & Networks and Convener of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, and Tim Steer, Chair of Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch.
17th July - Exeter Today
"Exeter MP backs campaign for faster, more reliable rail link to North Devon" - article quotes from MP's letter to recent Railfuture-organised workshop, and from Railfuture's Roger Blake and Tim Steer.
17th July - North Devon Today
"North Devon rail campaigners push for funding as Tarka Line records passenger surge" - article includes photos and quotes featuring Roger Blake, Railfuture's national Board Director for Infrastructure & Networks and Convener of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, and Tim Steer, Chair of Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch.
15th July - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Future hopes of reinstating Bideford rail link boosted" - headlines a full-page report making extensive use of Railfuture's press release.
9th July - North Devon Gazette
"Hopes for reinstated Bideford rail link kept alive as new Northern Devon Local Plan takes shape" as Railfuture said it does not take an active interest in the Lynton-Barnstaple line, as it operates as a heritage railway disconnected from the mainline network. Its focus remains on the Bideford link, for which the group said it now has four recent reports forming its own evidence base.
9th July - BBC News North East and Cumbria
Railfuture told the BBC it supported the playing of music at stations if it was shown to be helpful. Ian Walker, a committee member with the group's North East branch, is quoted.
7th July - BBC News Oxfordshire
Railfuture's Thames Valley regional branch chair Richard Stow concerned about lack of rail priority in latest study. "Clearly rail is a very high capital cost, but the benefits after you've done it are tremendous."
30th June - Devon Today
"New Northern Devon Local Plan could help bring back two railway lines" - a report based on Railfuture's press release.
26th June - LBC News
The heatwave is causing disruption to the rail network. Why is this, and what can be done to mitigate it? Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears on the breakfast show to offer his thoughts. Listen here or download here.
25th June - Modern Railways
"Exeter Central improvements completed" - Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair Tim Steer was invited to the official ceremony on 2nd June. Complemented by "£2.7m transformation delivers safer, more accessible experience at Exeter Central" from Network Rail.
24th June - Yorkshire Post
Yorkshire branch chair Nina Smith has a letter published in the paper. She writes: "The stark fact is Northern Rail does not have enough trains. Northern has been very successful in attracting leisure passengers, and weekend train loadings on many lines are now well above preCovid levels. But it does not have enough trains and because of that, wrong decisions are sometimes made as to how they are allocated."
24th June - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Gridlock: 'better bus service' is not the answer" headlines an article by columnist and "rail transport campaigner Tim Steer (who) can see improvements coming down the line."
22nd June - BBC News Devon
"Lows and highs of 10-week gas work road closure" on the B3233 between Bideford and Barnstaple, the former A39, with a quote from Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair: "Tim Steer from campaign group Railfuture said in the long term the line should be reinstated to provide another way of travelling between the towns."
On the day the works started, local resident Tim had provided the photo for North Devon Today.
15th June - North Devon Today
"North Devon gridlock: Why a 'better bus service' is not the answer to 11 months of roadworks" writes Tim Steer, Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair, as months of works by Wales & West Utilities start on the bus route connecting Bideford with Barnstaple.
8th June - Exeter Today
"Exeter Central gets £2.7m overhaul to help end peak-time bottlenecks" - photo by invited guest Tim Steer, Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair; see ExeterCentral03.
7th June - Devon Today
"Tavistock rail campaigners warn Plymouth faces traffic gridlock" - report of recent visit to Tavistock by Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair Tim Steer and branch secretary Alan Clark to meet chair of TavyRail (recently affiliated to Railfuture) Richard Searight and other members.
4th June - Crediton Courier
"Full steam ahead clearing rail route for future" - further report of TavyRail campaigners keeping a footpath on a former track clear as they team with national pressure group Railfuture.
31st May - LBC
On the day that Govia Thameslink reverts to public ownership, Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited on to Matthew Wright's breakfast show to talk about what difference this will make for passengers. Listen here or download here.
29th May - Tavistock Times Gazette
"Full steam ahead clearing rail route for future" - report of TavyRail campaigners keeping a footpath on a former track clear as they team with national pressure group Railfuture.
28th May - BBC Radio Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire branch chair David Harby is invited onto the breakfast show to discuss East Midlands Railway's poor performance, with overcrowding, broken air conditioning and horrendous toilets amongst the complaints. Listen here or download here.
27th May - LBC News
The heatwave has caused disruption to many services. What should the industry be doing to cope with this? Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson offers his thoughts. Listen here or download here.
26th May - BBC News
The government is planning to roll out high capacity wifi on trains across the country, following a successful trial using new technology.
Railfuture is quoted, saying it was "absolutely right that reliability and capacity increase", calling WiFi "not just an add-on or a luxury". Spokesman Bruce Williamson said patchy WiFi was not the "top priority" for passengers - "the key issues remain the cost of travel, overcrowding and reliability....But anything we can do to attract people onto the railways has got to be a good thing."
20th May - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Route ahead is unclear: next stop is GWR nationalisation" - a report based on Railfuture Devon & Cornwall regional branch's earlier press release about Mid-Cornwall Metro and lessons for the North Devon Line.
Also a letter "Case for rail" from chair Tim Steer as the Bideford-Barnstaple corridor faces months of utility works disrupting bus services.
A second article "How will GWR nationalisation affect rail users in our region?" in which Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture’s Devon and Cornwall regional branch and a Tarka Line campaigner, urged readers not to expect immediate change.
17th May - LBC
In an unusual move, Railfuture is asked to comment on motoring issues. It has been suggested that speed limits could be reduced to conserve fuel whilst the US-Iran crisis is threatening supplies through the straits of Hormuz. Spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited on to Matthew Wright's breakfast show to comment on this, and of course he manages to give the railways a plug. Listen here or download here.
14th May - North Devon Today
"Tarka Line improvements move to 'next phase' - but no timeline and no funding confirmed"
Campaign group Railfuture pointed in a press release to the launch of improved timetables on Cornwall's Newquay line as a model North Devon should follow, and Devon and Cornwall chair Tim Steer said the project should inspire action closer to home.
The same report was carried in The Moorlander.
13th May - Oxford Mail
GWR will return to public ownership in December and the paper reports that this "should lead to better value fares". Dave Richardson of Thames Valley branch is quoted:
"We welcome any reform of how our railways are run that would lead to simpler and better value fares, which is part of the Great British Railways initiative. Bringing together GWR and the part of Network Rail responsible for its routes would also be welcome if it would deliver a more reliable railway.”
13th May - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Rail link revival ‘excellent idea’ but it ‘remains complicated’" says a Devon County and North Devon District Councillor, mentioning the campaigning by the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance.
"Rail minister hints at Tarka Line help" as North Devon MP Ian Roome expresses hope to meet the government’s Rail Minister to press for action on the Tarka Line.
"Rail line action" heads a brief letter, coincidentally and inadvertently drawing attention to the subject of Railfuture Devon & Cornwall's press release!
11th May - North Devon Today
"GWR nationalisation: will it make any difference for the Tarka Line?" Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture's Devon and Cornwall regional branch and a Tarka Line campaigner, urges readers not to expect immediate change.
The same item was carried by The Moorlander and Torbay Weekly
11th May - ITV News West Country (West)
"Government promises more reliable trains as date set for the return of GWR into public ownership" - tv evening news report includes a brief segment with Tim Steer, Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair, from 0:02:13.
11th May - North Devon Today
"North Devon MP seeks meeting with Rail Minister over Tarka Line storm closures" referencing the March meeting of the Railfuture-instigated Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance at which Ian Roome MP addressed over 60 delegates.
The same item was carried by The Moorlander
9th May - North Devon Today
"Bideford rail return an 'excellent idea' but it 'remains complicated', says councillor" - Campaigns to reconnect Bideford to the national rail network have been gathering pace, with the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (instigated by Railfuture in December 2023) actively pushing for an extension of the Tarka Line from Barnstaple.
The same item was carried by The Moorlander
6th May - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Rail link will give businesses positive signal to drive growth" says Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair, Tim Steer.
3rd May - LBC
The station discusses the problem of fare evasion. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson is invited on to the programme to add his thoughts. Listen here or download here.
3rd May - North Devon Gazette
"Why the Bideford rail link is about more than just 'playing with trains'"
Tim Steer (Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair) says the project will tackle congestion and help secure future local services.
29th April - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Bideford rail campaigners face long wait for first train" - report of Roger Blake, infrastructure director for Railfuture and acting convenor of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA), addressing the Torridge and North Devon Joint Planning Policy Committee on Friday, April 24 to update elected members on progress towards a potential reinstatement of rail services to the town.
See also the leading letter "Rail link revival gets my vote", and others.
27th April - North Devon Today
"'No timetable' for Bideford rail link as project builds case for return" - Roger Blake, Infrastructure Director for Railfuture and acting convenor of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA), addressed the Torridge and North Devon Joint Planning Policy Committee on Friday 24 April.
The same story was carried by Exeter Today and Torbay Today and The Moorlander.
24th April - Devon Today
"Rail link dream for Bideford inches forward but long road still lies ahead" - Infrastructure director for Railfuture Roger Blake, speaking to the Torridge and North Devon Joint Planning Policy Committee, said the scheme would need to pass through a series of formal assessments before any construction could be considered.
19th April - LBC
Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson appears on Matthew Wright's programme to respond to the proposal by the TSSA union to make public transport free of charge. Listen here or download here.
15th April - North Devon Today
"Tarka Line extension sparks fierce debate across North Devon" with several references to the third annual Convention of the Railfuture-instigated Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance in March.
Sub-headings: "A Legacy of ‘Patch-and-Mend’" and "The Bideford Conversation" then "The Road Ahead" and "Timeline"
The same report appeared in Torbay Today
15th April - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Light at end of tunnel is a long way off for some - Link a ‘strategic economic risk’" - a double-page spread, mentioning the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance which "has been developing a credible, fundable modernisation programme." Also including "‘One day we took £18’ - the café counting the cost of disruption on the Tarka Line"
See also the letter "Better Connected" from Railfuture's Tim Steer and Roger Blake, and others.
14th April - North Devon Today
"Token systems and overgrown platforms: inside the Tarka Line's Victorian infrastructure" - "a system no different now than when rail campaigner Tim Steer's great grandfather William Steer was the signalman in the same signal box in the early 1900s." Tim Steer, needing no further introduction!
The same report appeared in Torbay Today
13th April - Devon Today
"DEVON VOICES : “We need more modern trains that can cope with booming demand!”" by Tim Steer.
Tim is chair of Railfuture’s Devon and Cornwall branch. Born and bred in Barnstaple, Tim’s journey into rail campaigning has been both personal and rooted in the community.
9th April - North Devon Journal
"In for long haul: little steam taken out of campaigners' bid to reinstate rail link with acceptance of just how difficult task ahead will be" - further reporting of Torridge District Council’s External Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 1st April.
9th April - Crediton Courier
"Bideford to Barnstaple rail dream could be 13 years away if no 'red flags'" - further reporting of Torridge District Council’s External Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 1st April, with the opening presentation from Railfuture's national Infrastructure Director Roger Blake; watch YouTube.
8th April - Oxford Mail
Under the headline "Petition calls for progress on Oxford to Cambridge trainline", David Richardson, spokesperson for Thames Valley branch, said: "We wholeheartedly support this petition and would urge anyone wanting to see better rail services in Oxford to support it. We have suffered major disruption while the new bridge at Oxford station is put in to support an extra platform and new rail services, yet here we have a restored rail route that is open to freight trains but no passenger services are running. Any further delay would be very, very frustrating"
8th April - North Devon Today
"North Devon's vital rail link declared a 'strategic economic risk' by council" - report of today's County Council Cabinet decision.
The report concludes "The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, which includes representatives from Torridge, Mid-Devon and multiple town and parish councils, has been developing a credible, fundable modernisation programme."
The same story was carried by Exeter Today and The Moorlander and Torbay Today
8th April - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"MP tells rail ministers: don’t forget Tarka Line" is the front page headline.
"Exhausted passengers deserve much better service" is a double-page feature including "The Bideford extension: ambition or pipe dream?" following the journalist's tour of the North Devon Line with Railfuture's regional branch Chair for Devon and Cornwall Tim Steer.
6th April - North Devon Today
"Poll – what do you think of reopening the railway from Bideford to Barnstaple?" asks an online survey. Railfuture was named in the question "Do you think running the line beside the (Tarka) trail would be an issue, or a benefit and a boost for the trail?"
6th April - Exeter Today
"Exeter passengers fed up with 35-year-old trains? This group is fighting to replace them" - the Railfuture-affiliated Salisbury to Exeter Rail User Group: the passengers fighting for better trains on the Exeter to London Waterloo line.
The same story is carried by Torbay Today and The Moorlander
5th April - North Devon Today
"Tarka Trail 'will not be taken away', rail campaigner insists" - the Tarka Trail will not be lost to a proposed Barnstaple to Bideford railway extension, says North Devon rail campaigner Tim Steer.
The same story was carried by Exeter Today and The Moorlander and Torbay Today
5th April - North Devon Gazette
"What next for the Tarka Line?" - watch 1:26 clip, featuring the ubiquitous Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair Tim Steer!
3rd April - North Devon Today
"Return of Bideford to Barnstaple railway ‘could be at least 13 years away’" - an extended report of Torridge District Council’s External Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on the 1st, with Railfuture's national Infrastructure Director Roger Blake's opening presentation of the study results. Watch YouTube.
3rd April - Devon Live
"Bideford to Barnstaple rail dream could be 13 years away - There are lots of challenges to overcome" - following yesterday's Railfuture press release, a report of Torridge District Council’s External Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on the 1st, with Railfuture's national Infrastructure Director Roger Blake presenting results of an economic appraisal with engineering feasibility study which had been part-funded by the Council.
1st April - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"MP: railway to Bideford is ‘essential’" - report of the 20th March meeting in Bideford between Torridge & Tavistock MP Sir Geoffrey Cox KC and "the “indefatigable” team from Railfuture, including Tim Steer, a long-standing campaigner and chair of the organisation’s Devon and Cornwall branch."
The accompanying report was headed "Rail disruption from floods five times worse in 10 years."
25th March - Devon Today
"Fresh backing for Bideford rail link as leaders call for urgent action" - report of meeting between Tim Steer, Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair for Railfuture and Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP at the town’s former railway station, to discuss the next steps.
25th March - North Devon Today
"The Bideford rail link is already being built" - article author Railfuture's Tim Steer believes the "building work" has begun, with a Bideford station projected to rank in the UK's top 1,000.
(NOTE: the 'new to rail' figure quoted for Bideford station users should actually be 89%).
Same report in Torbay Today.
25th March - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Modern rail link could end Bideford’s 60-year wait" - report on the Preliminary Strategic Business Case authored by Railfuture member Peter West OBE CMILT, independent adviser to the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance.
"The Bideford rail link is already being built" - article by Tim Steer, Railfuture Devon and Cornwall Regional Branch Chair.
24th March - North Devon Today
"Bideford rail extension 'essential' as MP highlights strategic value" - Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP (Torridge & Tavistock) meets Railfuture's Tim Steer at the former Bideford station.
23rd March - News from Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP Torridge & Tavistock
"Sir Geoffrey supports Tarka Line extension to Bideford" - watch YouTube as he declares "Tim has been indefatigable on behalf of Railfuture".
23rd March - North Devon Today
"Plans for a 'modern train service' to Bideford could drive economic growth" - the Preliminary Strategic Business Case has been authored by Railfuture member Peter West OBE CMILT, independent adviser to the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance.
21st March - BBC News North East and Cumbria
"Will Northumberland Line success help more open?" - Dennis Fancett, chair of the rail users group SENRUG, and Ian Walker of Railfuture North East are both quoted, although the BBC made a mistake. He's not branch chair - that's Lee Davies.
18th March - RAIL
"Network Rail sets out what could be done to improve Exeter-Barnstaple line" reports RAIL, after speaking with Network Rail's Senior Strategic Planner Andrew Robinson at the Railfuture-convened Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance’s third annual meeting held on 6th March.
(NOTE: the article is INCORRECT to state that the Coradia Class 175 trains are equipped with Selective Door Opening - they do NOT have SDO).
18th March - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"Network Rail’s blueprint to transform Tarka Line - plan includes two trains an hour" headlines the front page, reporting a study published during the 3rd annual Convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance while their Senior Strategic Planner (Western) was addressing the more than 60 delegates on the very subject! Inside page "Transport failures hit students" and letter "Future-proof this crucial rail link."
14th March - Crediton Courier
"Tarka Line boom sparks calls for major upgrades" - An overwhelming increase in passenger use on the North Devon (Tarka) line and the urgent need for the modernising and extending of the line and its train services was highlighted at the third annual convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance, convened by Railfuture who instigated the Alliance in late-2023.
13th March - Devon Today
"Rail passenger boom in Devon puts pressure on ageing trains" - report of talk given to the Railfuture-convened 3rd annual Convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance by Matt Barnes, GWR's Head of Strategic Service Development.
13th March - Devon Today
"Rail bosses reveal chaos as storm shut lines across Devon and Cornwall" - report of talk given to the Railfuture-convened 3rd annual Convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance by David Whiteway, GWR's Regional Growth Manager (West).
12th March - Devon Today
"MPs warn Devon rail network is failing passengers after storm chaos" - report of talk given to the Railfuture-convened 3rd annual Convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (instigated by Railfuture in late-2023) by North Devon MP Ian Roome, including statement submitted by Exeter MP Steve Race.
11th March - North Devon Today
"'Closures will occur again,' warns Network Rail as sonar trial underway on North Devon line" - during the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance convention in Eggesford on Friday, March 6, Network Rail representatives outlined the 'invisible' threat of 'scour.'
The same report was carried by Exeter Today and Torbay Today.
11th March - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"United in mission to transform Tarka Line" headlines the front page, subtitled "Summit of powerful rail figureheads puts action on agenda for fragile railway infrastructure" with page 2 devoted to "Summit hears Tarka Line ‘patch and mend’ is over" (with photo of Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall branch standing by the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance campaign banner) and the whole of page 3 headed "Call for Tarka Line to be a ‘reliable, modern and well-connected service’"
10 March - North Devon Today
"North Devon students missing college over "expensive and unreliable" transport"
9th March - North Devon Today
"North Devon rail: Stakeholders meet to discuss future of Tarka Line" - industry leaders and MPs warn, at the third annual convention of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA) on Friday, March 6 in Eggesford, that the North Devon railway is at a breaking point, as record passenger growth collides with failing Victorian-era infrastructure and severe weather disruption.
Exeter Today and Torbay Today and The Moorlander all carried the same report.
9th March - Europe Says (from Luxembourg!)
"North Devon rail: Infrastructure failure hitting an area 'twice the size of Luxembourg'" - the North Devon railway is facing a critical reckoning, as a combination of infrastructure failures, climate-driven disruption, and a surge in passenger demand leaves the region increasingly cut off from the national network.
Torbay Today carried the same report.
7th March - North Devon Today
"Northern Devon rail development: Future priorities outlined at annual meeting" - includes video interviews with Railfuture's regional branch chair for Devon & Cornwall Tim Steer, and independent adviser to the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance Peter West OBE CMILT.
4th March - RAIL
"More faults than expected delay GWR’s ‘175’ rollout after long-term storage"
Tim Steer, Railfuture Devon and Cornwall Branch Chair, told RAIL he didn’t expect to see the units on the Tarka Line this year. Milsom refused to be drawn on when the first ‘175s’ will reach Barnstaple.
4th March - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
"‘Dear rail minister, we could be forgiven for losing hope’" is the headline over the full-page report, with "Dismay of Tarka Line passengers" heading a side column. Ken Miles, Chief Executive of North Devon Council, told the Gazette that the Council has now formally resolved to join the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (instigated by Railfuture in late-2023).
3rd March - North Devon Today
"Concerns raised over 'vulnerability' of vital North Devon rail link" as Ken Miles, Chief Executive of North Devon Council, told the Gazette: “North Devon Council has now formally resolved to join the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance" (instigated by Railfuture in late-2023 and holding its third annual Convention for around 60 representatives of over 40 partner and stakeholder organisations later this week.
26th February - Devon Today
"Passengers left ‘waiting for a pumpkin’ on rail line" - in which the Railfuture-affiliated Salisbury-Exeter Rail Users Group (SERUG) is cited during a Westminster Hall debate on local transport and planning developments on Tuesday, 24th February.
25th February - North Devon Gazette (online subscriber edition)
Tarka Line action plea" - front page headline, sub-titled: "Rail campaigners and politicians want urgent upgrade as fragile Barnstaple-to-Exeter link reopens after taking winter storm battering" and report continued on page 2. Full page report on page 3: "Campaigners warn: fragile Tarka Line is now risk to local economy" with Railfuture Devon & Cornwall regional branch and Tim Steer as its chair mentioned, and including "The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA) now provides a "mature, cross-sector vehicle" for the project."
24th February - Devon Today
"Councillors demand action over Barnstaple to Exeter line" runs the headline as Tim Steer, regional branch chair of Railfuture Devon and Cornwall, addressing the meeting of Barnstaple Town Council under Public Participation, said that the North Devon, or Tarka, line had been shut multiple times since November last year due to extreme weather.
23rd February - North Devon Today
"North Devon must move beyond 'patch-and-mend' following 24-day rail closure" with another quote from Railfuture's Barnstaple-based Devon & Cornwall regional branch Chair: "As Tim Steer puts it: “A resilient Tarka Line will be public transport which you can depend on; one which you can plan your life around with confidence.”"
20th February - North Devon Today
"Tarka Line reopens as campaigners say: 'Patch and mend' infrastructure not fit for purpose"
Trains from Barnstaple have not departed in 24 days, marking a period of significant isolation for North Devon as flood repairs finally come to an end. Tim Steer, Chair of the Devon and Cornwall regional branch of Railfuture, argues that the current infrastructure is failing the people of North Devon and is quoted at length.
Although not mentioning Railfuture or the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance in the article, Exeter City Football Club are reported to have thrown their weight behind calls for Tarka Line investment, as North Devon Grecians have faced travel disruption.
18th February - Crediton Courier
"Future still looks grim for the Tarka Line’s full reopening"
Tim Steer, Devon and Cornwall regional branch chair of Railfuture, is quoted as saying to Tarka Line friends and groups on social media: “I personally can only imagine how disappointed you all are."
18th February - North Devon Today
Report includes a mention of Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture Devon and Cornwall, and this: "The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA) now provides a “mature, cross-sector vehicle” for the project. The alliance includes Torridge and Mid-Devon Councils, with a motion to include North Devon Council expected to be brought this month." The NDRDA was instigated by Railfuture in late-2023 and now embraces over three dozen partner and stakeholder organisations.
12th February - RAIL
"Calls to invest in Devon line described as "not fit for purpose""
Tim Steer, Railfuture Devon and Cornwall Branch Chair, lives in Barnstaple. He said users have seen “serious problems due to rain” since 2020. The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (instigated by Railfuture in late-2023) has compiled a preliminary strategic business case for modernising the route, due to be unveiled next month.
Postscript: reported as their most-read article that week!
12th February - North Devon Journal
"'Lasting action on rail line is critical'" says the front page headline, and underneath "MP to meet Network Rail as petition calling for investment in Tarka Line tops 3,000 as it goes to Parliament"
Inside report "Calls to prioritise the Tarka Line for investment as rail petition tops 3000" with Railfuture's Tim Steer quoted: "It's also deeply disappointing that this prolonged disruption is thwarting the continued success of the line."
11th February - North Devon Gazette
"Calls for action to make rail link more resilient" says the front page caption. Inside: "Tarka Line lack of resilience is ‘ruining daily lives of many’"
Tim Steer, a North Devon resident and chair of the Devon and Cornwall branch of Railfuture, a voluntary organisation campaigning for better railways, said the repeated closures were causing chaos for passengers and businesses alike.
9th February - Devon Live
"Devon rail plea signed by 3,000 people goes to parliament - repeated floods and cancellations have left many in the lurch"
As North Devon MP Ian Roome formally presented a petition to parliament calling for action and investment to future-proof the Tarka Line and improve reliability for passengers across the area who rely on the train service, Tim Steer, Railfuture’s regional Devon and Cornwall chair, said: "We shall continue to collaborate with anyone who shares our aspirations for a bigger, better railway for northern Devon."
7th February - Western Morning News
"3,000 people back call for investment in rail line" as North Devon MP Ian Roome presents petition to Parliament, and Tim Steer, Railfuture’s regional Devon and Cornwall chair, said: “Getting to and from work, education, health and other appointments such as job interviews, public events and even social activities, all are being thrown into chaos ......”
6th February - BBC News
"Petition for rail investment handed to Parliament" - the Tarka Line remains closed after Storm Chandra brought heavy rain last month.
Tim Steer, the Devon and Cornwall chairman of campaigning group Railfuture, said those relying on the line to get to work, school or health appointments were being "thrown into chaos. Prolonged disruption is thwarting the continued success of the line," he added.
6th February - DevonAir Radio
"Petition of 3,000 names calling for rail line resilience presented to parliament" - Railfuture's Tim Steer said: “We shall continue to collaborate with anyone who shares our aspirations for a bigger, better railway for northern Devon.”
6th February - Radio Exe
"Thousands of residents call for Tarka Line investment"
As Exeter and Barnstaple route remains closed, Tim Steer, Railfuture’s regional Devon and Cornwall chair, said: “Getting to and from work, education, health and other appointments such as job interviews, public events and even social activities, all are being thrown into chaos because our rail line is not a fit-for-purpose lifeline, something which can be depended on as it must be.”
5th February - Doncaster Free Press
"Doncaster MP’s rail petition surpasses 1,000 signatures as support grows" reads the headline, with a picture of tne Doncaster East MP Lee Pitcher in front of a Railfuture banner. The campaign seeks to restore the level of local rail service that existed prior to the pandemic. The article continues: "The campaign team is currently working with local transport experts and members of national rail advocacy group Railfuture to draft proposals that can be presented to the rail operators."
5th February - North Devon Today
"Storm damage keeps Tarka Line closed as commuters call for urgent investment"
Watch clip of North Devon MP Ian Roome presenting his petition in the the House of Commons chamber.
Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture for Devon and Cornwall, called the ongoing disruption “intensely frustrating” and said the line needed long-term investment. “Getting to work, education and appointments is being thrown into chaos because our rail line is not a fit-for-purpose lifeline. The case to secure transformational investment has never been stronger.”
The same report was carried in Exeter Today
5th February - North Devon Journal
"Campaign on track to build a case for restoring lost rail connection" as "Safety checks to rail line hampered by ongoing wet weather warnings" - a timely reality check!
4th February - North Devon Today
"Tarka Line closures leave North Devon passengers ‘thrown into chaos’, says rail campaigner"
Tim Steer, chair of the Devon & Cornwall branch of Railfuture, said daily travel for work, education, health appointments and social activities is being thrown into chaos, while a petition calling for long-term investment in the line has now gathered over 3,000 signatures.
The same report was carried in Exeter Today
2nd February - The Moorlander
"Campaigners step up push to reconnect Tavistock with national rail network"
TavyRail joins Railfuture as campaigners push to reopen Tavistock to Bere Alston rail line, with Devon County Council and Restoring Your Railway programme supporting proposals to improve Plymouth Metro connections and sustainable transport in West Devon. Tim Steer, chair of Railfuture’s Devon and Cornwall regional branch, said: "We are delighted to announce that TavyRail has become affiliated to Railfuture."
The same report was carried by North Devon Today and Torbay Today
29th January - Yorkshire Post
Yorkshire branch chair Nina Smith has a letter published, bemoaning two recent transport decisions. The first is the "frankly disgraceful decision to yet again delay a tram network for West Yorkshire," followed by "the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) announcement. Except that it was only partially NPR....We desperately need more ambition and more solid commitments."
29th January - North Devon Journal
"Growing calls made to upgrade rail line - 'desperately-needed improvements' to Tarka Line called for amid more flooding chaos and congestion fears" says the front page. Inside, "'Make rail line fit for purpose' says campaigner as flooding chaos back" - the campaigner being Railfuture's Tim Steer.
29th January - North Devon Today
"Passenger group calls for solutions after Tarka Line closed for third day in row" - the Barnstaple to Exeter Tarka Line remains closed this week, with no replacement bus services either and a passenger group is calling for action. Railfuture-affiliated North Devon Line Rail Promotion Group (formerly the Tarka Rail Association) and member of the Railfuture-instigated Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA), says there should be better rail replacement provision in the form of buses as the closure of the Tarka Line has created significant challenges for commuters, students and vulnerable passengers.
A similar report was carried by the Crediton Courier.
26th January - The Moorlander
"Rail chaos in Devon revives push for Tavistock route: ‘Mother nature will always win’"
Newly-affiliated to Railfuture, TavyRail are quoted as repeated weather damage on Devon’s coastal line is prompting MPs, rail groups and residents to revisit plans for a Tavistock and north Dartmoor railway.
26th January - Western Morning News
"Tarka Line issues are key priority for campaigners" - overcrowding on the trains and the need for extra capacity has been raised in Parliament by North Devon MP Ian Roome, Railfuture Devon and Cornwall branch chairman Tim Steer told the reporter.
26th January - Devon Live
"'Utopian vision' for new Devon link akin to Exeter/Exmouth: A campaign for better rail services is gathering pace - but desperately needed improvements remain the top priority" - new branch chairman of Railfuture in Devon and Cornwall Tim Steer says it’s been a long term desire to reconnect Bideford to Barnstaple but there would be no point until problems on the Tarka Line are resolved.
The same report featured in the Tiverton Mid Devon Gazette
25th January - Radio Exe
"Rail in North Devon needs to be “fit-for-purpose”" - a campaign to see passenger rail services return to Bideford is gathering pace but desperately needed improvements to the Barnstaple to Exeter (Tarka Line) line remains the top priority in North Devon. New branch chairman of Railfuture in Devon and Cornwall Tim Steer says it’s been a long term desire to reconnect Bideford to Barnstaple.
15th January - ITV
Yorkshire branch chair Nina Smith appears on the ITV Yorkshire regional news programme Calendar, to comment on the government's plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail.
14th January - LBC News
The government confirms that there will be a new line between Birmingham and Manchester, following its announcement of investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail. Railfuture spokesman Bruce Williamson welcomes this investment, but wants more. Listen here or download here.
14th January - BBC News
Following the government's announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail, two separate news stories quote Railfuture Yorkshire chair Nina Smith. The first is entitled "Hull 'failed again' by rail plans for North", and the second is "Regional leaders welcome £45bn rail boost plans". She says: "Trains are overcrowded and delays commonplace. Railfuture welcomes the government's commitment to invest in the North's railways, but we are concerned that the proposals do not go far enough and will not be delivered fast enough."
9th January - North Devon Today
North Devon rail update: milestones, new trains and future plans"
Tim Steer (Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair) writes: Another year has gone by and I am reflecting on what achievements and challenges we all had on the Devon rail network."
7th January - North Devon Gazette
"Expansion on agenda as rail campaigners plan for 2026 Local transport champion" - Tim Steer (Railfuture's Devon & Cornwall regional branch chair) looks back and ahead to plot future for passengers.
6th January - Crediton Courier
"Making tracks to Bideford: Railfuture Director to put case to Torridge Councillors" - Railfuture’s Roger Blake, who is the national Board Director for Infrastructure and Networks and also Acting Convener of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA), will be following up on the presentations given to study funders’ representatives at a Bideford workshop last September.
6th January - North Devon Today
"Plans to bring trains back to Bideford set for council discussion" - Torridge District Council is set to debate plans to reopen the line to Bideford, a campaign that Railfuture is very involved with.
Railfuture director Roger Blake is mentioned: "Mr Blake said a Bideford station could rank in the top 25 per cent, or even the top 20 per cent, of all mainline stations nationally, with socio-economic gains for the town and surrounding rural areas valued in the hundreds of millions of pounds."
The same report was carried in Torbay Weekly
5th January - BBC Radio Oxford and BBC Radio Berkshire
This year's rail fare freeze is welcomed by Dave Richardson of Thames Valley branch as he is invited onto the drive time show to discuss this and the return of the Great British Rail Sale. Listen here or download here.
1st January - BBC Radio Devon
Railfuture director Roger Blake is given plenty of airtime to discuss the prospects for reopening the line to Bideford, as well as the possibilities of many other potential rail projects in the South West. Listen here or download here.
Click HERE for previous examples of Railfuture in the media.
Media - For more information please contact:
Bruce Williamson, media spokesman
Tel: 0117 927 2954
Mobile: 07759 557389
Email: media at railfuture.org.uk
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