• Luke takes a ride in a GWR train cab from Exeter to Plymouth
• He enjoyed the view out of Dawlish, but still stressed the need for more investment

Luke took a ride in a GWR train cab from Plymouth to Exeter.

Luke was given a full briefing beforehand to make sure everything was safe, which meant he was able to enjoy the view at Dawlish like never before. He was in the very capable hands of Ben the train driver, who explained to me the route, signals and the new train’s systems.

Luke has been very vocal about the need for more investment in our transport since I was elected. Now that Flybe has gone bust, Plymouth is relying on it’s train link more than ever. Luke has called for full electrification of the Great Western mainline, as well as new regional rail routes as part of the Great South West Initiative Plan. This was left out of Wednesday’s budget, with more and more funding being sucked up North. Luke has also been calling for more resilient, Dawlish-proof HST trains to be moved onto the CrossCountry franchise.

Luke Pollard said:

“Thank you to GWR for letting me ride in the cab of the train between Plymouth and Exeter on my journey back to Parliament. A big thank you also to train driver Ben for explaining the route, signals and the new train’s systems to me. I am very vocal on the need for the far South West to get our fair share of transport funding. Now that Flybe has gone bust, I also want to see a regional connectivity boost package put together to show the South West is open for business with improving rail links.”

Thank you to @GWRHelp for letting me ride in the cab from #plymouth to #exeter on my way to Parliament today. Thanks to train driver Ben for explaining the route, signals and the new train’s systems to me. #lukeMP pic.twitter.com/KvXF7n0ARW

— Luke Pollard MP (@LukePollard) March 9, 2020