First passenger train arrives at Okehampton Interchange Station

The inaugural public passenger service entered Okehampton Interchange Station this morning, launching an hourly timetable that runs between the new interchange, Okehampton Station and Exeter, with the first departure at 07:07. An invitation‑only opening ceremony was attended by rail‑industry representatives, local officials and Central Devon MP Sir Mel Stride, who praised volunteers, OkeRail and the Dartmoor Railway Association for their decades‑long campaign.

Jo Grew, western route strategy director for Great Western Railway and Network Rail, thanked Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council for their ambition and vision. Campaign leaders, including Michael Ireland, chair of OkeRail, view the station as a catalyst for further expansion, citing the Kernow Connect proposal to electrify a line from Okehampton to Bodmin via Launceston.

The project is expected to boost local connectivity, support future development and strengthen rail links across Devon and Cornwall.