Plan for direct Paignton to London trains could more than double services from Torbay

Torbay MP Steve Darling has backed a proposal for a new direct rail service between Paignton and London, which could improve travel options for residents, commuters and holidaymakers.

Mr Darling has voiced his support for a proposal submitted by FirstGroup, the owner of low-cost train operator Lumo, to introduce five return journeys a day between the Bay and the capital.

The application was submitted to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in December 2024, with services potentially beginning as early as 2028 if approved.

Mr Darling met Lumo Managing Director Stuart Jones to discuss the proposal.

Mr Darling said: “I was pleased to hear about the strength of their application, but I was further concerned about the time the Office of Rail and Road will take to assess it.”

He has since joined his fellow Liberal Democrat MPs from across the South West in writing to the ORR.

They expressed support for the application and urged the ORR to fully consider the significant benefits that FirstGroup’s proposal could deliver for passengers, regional connectivity and local economy.

If approved, the new service would increase the number of direct weekday trains between Torbay and London from three to eight, giving residents, commuters and holidaymakers more options for travelling to the capital.

The proposed service will run from Paignton to London Paddington, calling at Torquay, Torre, Newton Abbott, Teignmouth, Exeter St David’s, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa.

The earliest weekday train is planned to reach London at 10:19am.

Mr Darling said the additional services could provide local residents with better access to employment, education and business opportunities by strengthening connections between Torbay and major cities across the South West.

He said: “The service would provide a greater link between Torbay and regional centres such as Bristol, Bath and London.”

“Stronger connections to these cities would broaden Torbay’s reach, giving businesses better investment opportunities and links to major university towns.”

He added that these cities also act as major transport hubs, potentially making it easier for people from across the country to travel to Torbay.

My Darling also highlighted that improved rail connections could benefit Torbay’s tourism industry by making the area more accessible to visitors.

He noted: “Currently, only 9% of Devon’s visitors arrive by train.”

This suggests that there could be an opportunity to encourage more people to visit by rail.

He added: “Lumo’s new service would offer a convenient, comfortable option for our residents and provide an alternative route for tourists.”

The proposed service could be particularly beneficial during the peak summer months, when roads in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham can become congested and parking is often difficult to find.

The application is still being considered and discussions must take place with Network Rail to secure the required approvals.

Lumo has been contacted for comment but can provide no update at this time.