Current Operations
Passenger services are currently operated by South West Trains using Class 159 and Class 158 trains. Currently trains generally run half-hourly from London to Salisbury, and hourly to Exeter. The Network Rail South West Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy (March 2006) recommended building an extended section of double track from Chard Junction to Axminster, plus a passing loop at Whimple. However, Network Rail's Route Plan, is silent on the Whimple loop. As built, the Axminster Loop is centred on Axminster station, and does not extend to Chard Junction as originally proposed.
An hourly service now runs between Exeter and London Waterloo (almost clockface except for a few early morning services) as published in the timetable starting 12 December 2010. The stations between Exeter Central and Honiton (Pinhoe, Whimple and Feniton) retain a two-hourly service, but with services alternating between calling at Pinhoe, and Whimple and Feniton with few services calling at all three stations. South West Trains no longer runs beyond Exeter from December 2009.
The line is not electrified (except for the SWML portion).
The typical off-peak services are:
- 1tph London to Salisbury calling at all stations
- 1tph London to Exeter St. Davids
- Some of these trains divide with a portion going to Bristol Temple Meads
- Some trains terminate at Yeovil Junction
Between London Waterloo and Basingstoke, trains for the West of England Main Line call at Clapham Junction and Woking.
Read more about this topic: West Of England Main Line
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