TAMAR Valley rail routes are to be revamped as part of a new initiative from the Strategic Rail Authority. The Looe and Tamar Valley lines are among six ?community rail? pilot projects being engineered to attract more passengers by improving existing services. Chris Austin, the SRA?s executive director for community development said: ?These routes have a vital part to play in the communities they serve. We aim to put them on a long term footing by managing costs and increase their use through greater community involvement with a more targeted marketing approach.? The Tamar Line, which runs from Gunnislake to Plymouth via the Bere Peninsula, will also benefit from new links to local tourist attractions and carnet tickets at discount prices for regular travellers. A number of studies will also be carried out into ways of increasing the frequency of the service and how best to extend the line to Tavistock. After a six week consultation period, which started last week, the Tamar Valley Line will be officially designated as a community rail route and the improvements can get underway. Alan Wilson, managing director of Wessex trains, said he was excited about the scheme which he believed would enable ?two important westcountry routes to flourish.?
