Welcome to SERUG
Salisbury to Exeter Rail Users Group (SERUG)
Please look at the latest news section of this website for up to date information.
We focus specifically on the section west of Salisbury where the current infrastructure severely restricts service and line speed improvements. We cover the stations of Tisbury, Gillingham, Templecombe, Sherborne, Yeovil Junction, Crewkerne, Axminster, Honiton, Feniton, Whimple, Cranbrook and Pinhoe and Exeter Central.
We are lobbying for improvements to infrastructure, rolling stock, and timetables as well as guarantees that availability of the unregulated fares offered by the previous franchisee (South West Trains) will be maintained by the new operator South Western Railway.
More specific information on our objectives can be found on the objectives page.
SERUG is not funded by any commercial rail operators or rail-based organisations (such as Network Rail). We lobby independently for service and infrastructure improvements that will benefit the travelling public. SERUG is affiliated to Railfuture, a non-political, not for profit organisation which campaigns for a bigger and better railway in Britain.
SERUG welcomes your support and feedback. If you would like to receive regular updates (newsletters, details of events, etc), please see the Membership section on this site or email contact@serug.co.uk
SWR apologise for poor train availability. (November 2018)
SWR have issued an apology for the poor train availability during the latter half of 2018. This has been caused by the old age of the trains, engine issues, a change in engine maintenance supplier at Salisbury Depot, and the required general upgrading (CR6) for the units and work for Persons with Reduced Mobility work (PMR) which has to be completed by 2020. A greater number of units than usual, have been out of service, resulting in trains with fewer carriages, leading to overcrowding. There have been the cancellation of a few services as well, especially afternoon Exeter to Honiton/Axminster trains. These problems are being resolved and there should be a return to full formations early in 2019 and additional coaches on some service from that time.