COMMUTERS in West Devon are being asked for their views on the future of rail services across the region as the Government considers how the Great Western franchise can best support the investment planned for the network. The case for re-establishing rail links from Plymouth to Exeter via Okehampton and Tavistock to offer more resilient rail options hit the headlines following the severe damage to the Dawlish line during the winter storms. Large parts of the region were cut off during the line's closure. The Department for Transport has launched a consultation looking at how to best expand and improve the Great Western rail network. Train services between London, Wales and many of the towns and cities of the South West are set to be transformed through a multi-billion pound programme of investment, which will see extensive electrification of the Great Western route and the roll out of new state-of-the-art electric trains. To ensure the franchise best meets the needs of passengers, the consultation has been launched to help decide how rail services will be managed over the next five years. Rail Minister Stephen Hammond said: 'These are exciting times for the Great Western franchise. Extensive electrification, new state-of-the-art trains and the introduction of Crossrail services will deliver a world-class railway that improves services for passengers and drives economic growth. 'To make sure we make the most of this massive investment we want to hear from anyone who has an interest in these vital routes. 'This is further proof of our commitment to put passengers at the heart of our franchising system.' To engage with the consultation and share your views on train services, visit http://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/great-western-specification-for-the-future-franchise">www.gov.uk/government/consultations/great-western-specification-for-the-future-franchise