Cut-price rail travel for journeys in the Westcountry after recent storms

Rail users whose journeys are affected by the extensive storm damage to the railway line at Dawlish are receiving a welcome boost from the Arriva group’s CrossCountry train business.

From 10 February, any customer purchasing an Advance ticket for a journey with CrossCountry to or from any station west of Exeter, needs only buy a ticket to or from Exeter St Davids station. This would mean someone travelling from Penzance to Manchester could purchase an Advance ticket for as little as £53 for their 350 mile journey.

Advance tickets are subject to availability so, as well as offering the full range of Advance fares, CrossCountry is increasing the number of these tickets on each of its trains. And for those who need to travel at the last minute, Advance tickets can even be purchased on the day of travel up to ten minutes before a train’s departure when purchased at www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk. These Advance tickets will be valid on all rail services west of Exeter for travel to or from Exeter St Davids station, including on any road replacement services around the area where rail travel is currently not possible.

CrossCountry’s managing director, Andy Cooper, said: “We understand the difficult circumstances many people now find themselves in because of the impact of recent storms in the South West. Travel is a necessity for many and the unprecedented damage at Dawlish has left some customers feeling that rail journeys are not an option. We are determined to ensure that anyone wanting to travel to or from the South West is still able to do so, and can do at the cheapest price possible.

“CrossCountry are providing a simple travel solution for those affected by these dreadful storms, to reconnect with their colleagues, friend and families. People wanting to travel to and from West Devon and Cornwall for both business and leisure, need only buy a CrossCountry Advance ticket for Exeter St Davids station and travel for free for the part of their journey in the Westcountry.”

On Monday 3 February the exceptionally high tide and storms washed away parts of the sea wall carrying the main railway lines at Dawlish in Devon. Network Rail estimates repairs to the line could take six to eight weeks and special timetables for rail users will operate during this period. Full details of train times and connecting road transport through areas where trains are unable to operate are available from National Rail Enquiries at http://www.nationalrail.co.ukor by calling 08457 48 49 50.