Chris Todd. of Transport Action Network which commissioned the work, told the BBC: “This report shows a forgotten region, where transport policy and investment have been left in the sidings, undermining the ability to cope with increasing population and extreme weather events.”
He added: “We believe this is a pragmatic way to bring real improvements, using a fraction of the savings that come from the cancellation of road schemes along the A303.”
The report finds: “The challenge is simply sustaining daily operational performance, …this surely makes investment along this route a priority.”
The Salisbury to Exeter Rail Users Group (SERUG) says passenger numbers are now “far higher” than before the Covid pandemic.
Spokesman Nick Hurrell said: “Performance is appalling. There’s a target of 90% of trains to run on time.
“That target has been hit on just one day in the last four months. Over half the trains run late on this line.”
