NORTH Cornwall’s residents will be celebrating after the latest boost to local public transport has been complete.

In February 2025, work first got underway to construct the new Okehampton Interchange. Following the successful reopening of Okehampton Train Station plans for the £15-million station were introduced as the newest addition to the Dartmoor Line, connecting West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and beyond.

Funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) with contributions from Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council, the site features a car park for 200 cars and space for bikes too.

At the end of last year, Lord Peter Hendy, Rail Minister, said: “The latest progress at Okehampton Interchange is an exciting step forward for the local community and, thanks to £15m in government support, it will soon unlock countless benefits, including improved regional connectivity and modern services that local people can rely on.

“Alongside the dedicated work of local councils, we’re on track with our Plan for Change commitment to deliver growth, jobs and homes through a modern railway that Britain needs and deserves.”

Now, 17 months later, the space has been transformed, with the site officially opened on Friday, July 31, launching its first rail service for the region’s travellers.

It follows years of campaigning for a second station in the town, with an hourly service in both directions between the Interchange station, Okehampton Station, and Exeter, now serving the area.

Tom Pierpoint, GWR business development portfolio director, said: “New stations such as Okehampton Interchange are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably – something we can see so visibly with the success of the reopening of Okehampton in November 2021.

“We are excited for the benefits this station will bring to the local economy, to residents, businesses and to leisure travellers alike.”