Indeed, and given the fact that MANY local branch lines have recently seen a boom in passenger numbers, cutting rail services on these lines would be foolish, I for one cannot afford to buy and maintain a car, for me using the railways is the easiest and somewhat cheapest way to travel.

I've been on a crowded 142 from exmouth before, it was horrible, i had a bike in my face at one point and there was barely enough room for the conductor to board the train, I was an hour late into Paington ^ and then had to come back early to ensure I met a connection back to exmouth

I am travelling out of exmouth on the 1st if i had known about the hst i soooo would have booked my onward journey to bristol to co-incide with that train, but i cannot change it, i might have to make a trip to exeter for no reason now!!