Connect Bude attended the TravelWatch SouthWest Autumn General Meeting in Taunton, Somerset on Friday, 24th October 2025. The theme of the meeting was ’Transport for Growth’.
Presentations were received on the following topics:
(1) Transport for Growth – detailing how improvements in public transport provision could be used as a catalyst for growth in regional economies. The importance of intermodal transport integration was identified as a clear requirement to maximise growth opportunity. The re-opening of the Dartmoor railway line to Okehampton was highlighted as a good example. Equally, the poor bus connectivity to North Cornwall was a demonstration of a ‘lost opportunity’ where growth across North Cornwall has been restricted to car users because the public transport provision (No.6 bus service) has reduced in frequency and reliability since the reopening of the railway.
Have your say! If you have been impacted by this reduction in service provision, contact your local Cornwall Councillor and/or your MP.
(2) Integrated development/transport planning – Aimed at the many new housing developments across the West Country. The presentation made the case for better integrated planning from the concept phase to ensure adequate transport provision can be provided from the outset of any development. This should be deliverable through better integrated planning with local authorities working in partnership with housing developers and transport providers.
(3) GWR (Great Western Railway) presented their view (where understood) on the return of GWR to public sector ownership. This was followed by an open forum workshop on how to improve GWR engagement with stakeholder communities across the railway enterprise.
In was noted that further delays are anticipated with the Governments BSIP (Bus Service Improvement Plan) funding allocations to local authorities for this year. Ominously, release of funding has now been delayed beyond the forthcoming budget.
