FIFTY years of cutbacks to the railways of West Devon and East Cornwall could be reversed at a stroke, if pressure from local authorities and interest groups on the Government's railways authority is effective.
A decision by Prism Rail to terminate the Wales and West franchise on March 31, 2001, three years earlier than scheduled, has paved the way for a whole raft of improvements.
Chris Gibb, for Prism Rail, said: 'The existing franchises were let to save money and maintain minimum levels of service. The sooner we can terminate, the sooner we can get cracking on the new franchises and provide improved levels of service that meet passengers' and the Government's new expectations.'
Richard Burningham of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, charged with promoting rural railways, including the Tamar Valley line currently run by Wales and West, was confident the move would not affect the service adversely.
'There will definitely be a new franchise-holder by April 1, 2001, possibly an Intercity operator such as Great Western or Virgin,' he said. 'There's no way the service will be less than it is at the moment.'
But the rail partnership, along with Devon and Cornwall county councils, Plymouth City Council and other local authorities, is lobbying the Strategic Rail Authority, which lets the franchises, for substantial improvements to services in the area.
'We are saying if you are going to let a 20-year franchise — giving the private sector a longer period so they have the time to invest — then we want to see some pretty significant improvements for the rail-user,' he said.
Those improvements include a more frequent service for the Tamar Valley line and a rebuilding of the link between Tavistock and Bere Alston, coupled with a decent frequency of service to encourage people to use the train rather than getting in their cars to go to Plymouth and elsewhere.
'Let's face it, if it's not going to happen in 20 years, it's not going to happen at all,' said Mr Burningham.
He is expecting to know by Christmas whether the SRA is interested in their proposals and whether they have a railway company that is also interested in operating such a franchise.
'It's really interesting stuff,' he said. 'But we will just have to see how it all goes. We are making the case very strongly.'
l Jazz, delicious hot, disgusting cold — and where hotter than a Tamar Valley summer?
A four-piece traditional jazz combo will board the 15:05 Tamar Valley train in Plymouth this Sunday July 16, for the 98 minute return trip to Gunnislake.
Aficionados, and ordinary travellers, will be able to savour a pint of locally-brewed XSB ale at the bar, while being serenaded by the group.
It is the second year the Jazz train has run.
Richard Burningham of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, said: 'We're very pleased with the success of last year's Jazz trains. This year we wanted to make them bigger and better, so we've gone for Sunday afternoon scenic Jazz Trains. We think the scenery, jazz and bar will make a fine combination and it should be a really good afternoon out.'
Normal fares apply, or there is a special offer for two adults and up to three children for £10. Booking is not necessary. The Jazz Train will also run July 30 and August 27.