The Kingsbridge & Salcombe virtual branchline

[whole diary]

[plymothian]

GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) are launching an Integrated Transport Strategy project in the form of the "virtual branchline".

In partnership with Devon County Council and Tally Ho buses, the Totnes - Salcombe buslink has been redrawn to provide an around 15 minute connection at Totnes, with more frequent, earlier and later bus journeys.
It will be possible to leave London at 6pm and be in Salcombe for 10pm without an additional change of bus.

Through ticketing is planned but technical difficulties between bus and train are proving hard to iron out (eg buses selling tickets to all UK^▸ (United Kingdom) rail stations).

GWR is hoping to do this with all its promoted bus branch connections.

[Bmblbzzz]

Sounds a good idea. Plus Bus but in both directions, if they can make it work (perhaps rather than buses selling tickets to all UK^▸ (United Kingdom) stations they need only sell a "permit to travel" from Totness, which would then be converted into a ticket upon payment at Totnes or on the train? I'm sure they've thought of that though). And transport working across modes rather than in silos.

[johnneyw]

Music to my ears.  I've been doing Bristol to Salcombe by train and bus on a pretty regular basis for decades.  It often used to be very time consuming.
The change this summer to an hourly Totnes/Salcombe service was itself an improvement avoiding the need (and waiting time) to change at Kingsbridge.  An even more frequent service will mean less changeover time at the station and more of the trains to and from Totnes being usable.
One observation, although indicative only.  Since the summer improvement to the bus services, I've noticed an increase in passenger numbers. 
It will certainly also mean that the occasions when my better half and myself drive down there will reduce further.

Edit:  I've been trying to find more information online about this but as yet to no avail.  Any links to this would be interesting.