By David Northey of the Langport Transport Group
August 2026
Another New Railway Station… So What Is Holding Somerset Back?
Early August saw the opening of Okehampton Interchange in Devon.
It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a county has a clear vision for rail. The new station provides a 200-space park-and-ride, bus interchange, cycle facilities and better access to the A30, creating a transport hub that supports communities well beyond Okehampton itself.
The business case forecasts around 164,000 passenger journeys each year.
Yet here in Somerset, we have a business case for Somerton & Langport that forecasts between 230,000 and 253,000 passenger journeys in its first year—around 40–55% higher than Okehampton Interchange—and serving a catchment of more than 50,000 people.
So why are we still waiting?
The difference isn’t the strength of the evidence. It’s the strength of the vision.
Devon has consistently invested in rail as a driver of economic growth, housing, tourism, education and sustainable transport. Each new station forms part of a wider strategy rather than being viewed as an isolated project.
Somerset has the opportunity to do exactly the same.
The work already started through Network Somerset identified not just Somerton & Langport, but future opportunities including Norton Fitzwarren, Creech St Michael, Sparkford & Queen Camel and Chard Junction & Tatworth. Together, these schemes could transform how people travel across our county.
With discussions now underway about the future shape of local government, this is the perfect moment to think bigger.
A new unitary authority should seize the opportunity to produce a bold Somerset Transport Plan—one that looks 20–30 years ahead and integrates rail, bus, active travel and highways into a single strategy for growth.
Imagine a Somerset where:
New railway stations support growing communities.
Bus services connect seamlessly with trains.
Walking and cycling routes link directly into transport hubs.
New housing is planned alongside sustainable transport from day one.
Public transport becomes the easiest choice for work, education and leisure.
Other counties are already delivering this vision.
Somerset has the demand.
Somerset has the business cases.
Somerset has the opportunity.
Now we need the ambition.
The question is no longer whether Somerset should expand its rail network.
The question is whether we are prepared to build the transport network that Somerset will need for the next generation—not just maintain the one we inherited from the last.
What do you think?
Should Somerset adopt a long-term rail strategy with new stations at Somerton & Langport, Norton Fitzwarren, Creech St Michael and beyond?