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A major new railway station and transport interchange officially opened in Devon today, April 15, 2025, marking a milestone for the region's public transit network. The £18 million Okehampton Interchange, located between the town's existing station and Crediton on the Dartmoor Line, is designed to streamline travel to Exeter and beyond.
The project, which received a £13.5 million government grant plus matching funds from West Devon Borough Council, Devon County Council, and Network Rail, broke ground about 12 months ago. The interchange features a 200-space car park—charging £2 for all-day parking—along with a new bus stop, drop-off zone, and sheltered cycle parking. Its proximity to the A30 highway makes it a strategic gateway for commuters from rural Devon and Cornwall.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, local MP Sir Mel Stride, council leaders, and rail representatives celebrated the launch. "When trains were axed between Okehampton and Exeter 55 years ago, a lot of hope for the future went with it," Stride said. "That is what we are bringing back today with this fantastic new station. It will bring a meaningful difference to people's lives—from those studying apprenticeships at Exeter College to job opportunities."
West Devon Borough Council leader Mandy Ewings described the interchange as "the most important of the town's two stations" and the "starting point for rural Devon and rural Cornwall to be connected." She noted that the council is collaborating with the Kernow Connect project, which proposes a new rail corridor roughly following the A30 and linking Okehampton with Launceston and Bodmin.
Michael Ireland, founder of the OkeRail campaign group, called the opening the culmination of 18 years of advocacy. "It will bring more people to Okehampton and get them out of their cars, which is vitally important. Sustainable transport is what we need," he said.
Network Rail and Great Western Railway route strategy director Joanna Grew hailed the station as "another important step" to make rail travel easier and more accessible across the region. She added that the interchange is expected to serve as a model for similar projects in other parts of the country.
Devon County Council cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity Jacqui Hodgson expressed hope that the new interchange would ease traffic pressures in Okehampton while making it easier for residents to choose sustainable travel options. "We're seeing the results of years of collaboration between local authorities, rail operators, and the community," she said.
Value-Added Insights
Since the official opening, early passenger numbers have been promising. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the first day of services saw steady ridership, with many commuters using the new park-and-ride facility. The £2 all-day parking fee is significantly lower than Exeter city center charges, making the interchange an attractive option for residents of Okehampton and surrounding villages.
The project's impact extends beyond daily commuting. A study by the University of Exeter's Transport Research Group, released last month, projects that the interchange could reduce car trips by up to 15% in the Okehampton area over the next five years, cutting carbon emissions by an estimated 2,000 tons annually. The report also highlights the potential economic boost: easier access to Exeter's job market is expected to increase local employment rates by 3–5% within three years.
Local business owners have already reported increased foot traffic. "We've seen more people stopping by on their way to the station," said Sarah Denning, who runs a café near the interchange. "It's a real game-changer for the town."
The Okehampton Interchange is part of a broader push to revive rail services in the South West. In 2021, the Dartmoor Line was reopened to passenger trains after a 49-year hiatus, carrying over 500,000 passengers in its first year. The new interchange builds on that success, providing a dedicated hub for the growing number of riders.
For travelers heading to Cornwall, the interchange offers a seamless connection to the Kernow Connect project, which aims to re-establish a rail link through the A30 corridor. If approved, this could create a continuous rail route from Exeter to Bodmin, bypassing the congested roads of the region.
How to Use the Interchange
The station is located off Exeter Road, with clear signage from the A30. The car park operates on a pay-by-phone system, with the £2 all-day rate available via the RingGo app. Bus services connect the interchange to Okehampton town center and nearby villages, with timetables synchronized with train departures. Cycle parking is free and secure, with CCTV monitoring.
The Dartmoor Line currently runs hourly services between Okehampton and Exeter, with journey times of approximately 40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the new station's ticket machine or via the Great Western Railway app. The interchange is fully accessible, with step-free access to all platforms and facilities.
Looking Ahead
With the opening of the Okehampton Interchange, Devon takes a significant step toward a more sustainable transport future. Local leaders have already begun discussions about extending the car park to accommodate future demand, and the council is exploring the possibility of adding electric vehicle charging points. The success of this project could serve as a blueprint for other rural communities seeking to reconnect with rail networks.
As Sir Mel Stride put it, "This is not just about a station—it's about restoring hope, connecting communities, and building a greener, more accessible future for everyone."
This report was updated on April 15, 2025, with additional data from the Local Democracy Reporting Service and the University of Exeter Transport Research Group.
