SOME of Okehampton’s Summer Sunday trains, which started running from Exeter and Crediton last Sunday (May 19), now have a new connecting bus to Lydford, Brentor, Tavistock and Gunnislake railway station where they connect with trains on the scenic Tamar Valley Line to Calstock and Plymouth. 

There are two round trips each Sunday until September 8, allowing people to take the train from Exeter and Crediton and make a day trip by public transport to Dartmoor destinations other than Okehampton.  Similarly for Plymouth people are able to do the same via Gunnislake. 

The buses also offer the opportunity to do a circular trip around Devon, with travel one way via Dartmoor and the other via the main line through Dawlish.

In addition, they provide a new Sunday public transport option for local residents in Brentor, Lydford and Mary Tavy.

Travellers holding rail tickets to Okehampton or Gunnislake will be able to buy a flat fare £3 Single or Day Return for any journey on the bus.

The bus is deemed a tourist service so concessionary and free passes will not be valid and all passengers will need to pay. Local fares will be available between all stops.

Funded by CrossCountry via their Community Engagement Fund, the service has been organised by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and is operated by Plymouth Citybus.

Richard Burningham, Manager of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said: “It is a few years since the old 187 Sunday bus service finished and we were keen to see a bus link between Gunnislake and Okehampton stations restored.

“Offering a bus transport option to do a Sunday day trip to Lydford Gorge, for example, which the bus goes right past, is a great opportunity to explore the area.

“We are very grateful to CrossCountry for their help and support.”

Jody Ball, Stakeholder Liaison Manager for CrossCountry said: “We are delighted to be helping the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership provide a new rail/bus link across Dartmoor.

“Connecting the two lines gives passengers the chance to make a day trip beyond the railway without a car.”

More information about the bus service can be found at: www.dartmoorbus.com .