Possible new platform at Exeter Central down the middle

[RPI]

Definitely not the case. The usage has visibly grown for sometime with 1000s of new homes built nearby.

Good usage through the day in my experience. I agree the 0813 is very well used and always full and standing on arrival in term time.


With barriers at Central and a penalty fare area such instances are rare, and a fare to Pinhoe is not much use for the return journey.

Unfortunately, whilst Pinhoe is busy, there are an awful lot of people who buy Pinhoe tickets when actually having travelled from Honiton/Axminster, I have first hand experience of this.

How often do the SWR RPIs make appearances in Devon, as those are the only ones which can issue penalty fares.

The guard can only do so much in terms of revenue

GWR can now issue PF's from SWR and Chiltern, but you rarely see the SWR Revenue Protection staff down this way, though they have appeared a few times over the past couple of weeks strangely enough.

 

[Xavi]

Unfortunately, whilst Pinhoe is busy, there are an awful lot of people who buy Pinhoe tickets when actually having travelled from Honiton/Axminster, I have first hand experience of this.

Without a valid ticket, shouldn’t they be given a penalty fare (at the gates) rather than a ticket from Pinhoe? I agree that revenue protection staff need to be deployed between Axminster and Exeter, it’s certainly busy enough to justify.

 

[RPI]

Without a valid ticket, shouldn’t they be given a penalty fare (at the gates) rather than a ticket from Pinhoe? I agree that revenue protection staff need to be deployed between Axminster and Exeter, it’s certainly busy enough to justify.

Many do get reported for investigation

 

[Milky Bar Kid]

The idea of a middle bay platform makes sense and should have really been looked at as a viable option alongside the now abandoned EXD plans. EXC as the central station should really be served by more services to have a better city to city connectivity without the need to change at EXD, even now the last 3x OKE services of the day start from EXD. A centre bay platform frees up vital capacity on the up and down lines and would make turning trains at EXC quicker for the customer benefit especially where disruption occurs and the lack of capacity at EXD restricts the movement of trains. Dare I say a 5 car IET EXC-PAD service would probably be a success if the platform was built to sufficient length!

 

[takno]

Dare I say a 5 car IET EXC-PAD service would probably be a success if the platform was built to sufficient length!

Might as well run it down to Exmouth once you've got it on that line anyway

 

[PGAT]

Might as well run it down to Exmouth once you've got it on that line anyway

Would need extra passing loops

 

[Meerkat]

Would need extra passing loops

I would prefer that the large amount of money a central platform at central would cost went toward a way of going further, creating extra suburban trains.
Options from the top of my head….
A crossover so trains can reverse at Pinhoe.
A terminating bay at Cranbrook
Doubling to Digby or (as they built that platform where the second line would go….) a new station by the Met Office for all the employment around that way as well as the housing.

 

[BrianW]

Can I ask what is the problem to which a new platform might be the answer?

IIUC there are at present 4-5tph between Central and St Davids. Perhaps more paths could be provided, or longer trains (if available and/or worth it)

I recognise the current constriction on exit to Queen Street.

 

[devon_belle]

Can I ask what is the problem to which a new platform might be the answer?

IIUC there are at present 4-5tph between Central and St Davids. Perhaps more paths could be provided, or longer trains (if available and/or worth it)

I recognise the current constriction on exit to Queen Street.

One of the main issues is needing trains to be out of the way so that they can depart Exeter St Davids to go up to Exeter Central. Trains shouldn't be stopped on Exeter Bank, but with a second through platform or scissors this wouldn't be a problem.

I am less in favour of a west-facing bay, rather a through platform or a through line and scissors to split the current Platform 3.

 

[brad465]

Can I ask what is the problem to which a new platform might be the answer?

IIUC there are at present 4-5tph between Central and St Davids. Perhaps more paths could be provided, or longer trains (if available and/or worth it)

I recognise the current constriction on exit to Queen Street.

The thread subject came to mind in response to the extension of P2 at St David's being cancelled, where one reason for this is Exeter Central being more useful. This would presumably mean more services go to at least this station, which would constrain capacity if on top of the existing setup. A additional platform here, or as others have suggested a reinstatement of the through line with crossovers to split the main up platform, will allow this, plus potentially allow more St David's terminators to carry onto Central (such as Paddington-Exeter and/or Cardiff-Taunton if extended to Exeter on top of the Penzance through services).