Bude is the largest community within the country without direct railway access, according to new research.

Connect Bude, a campaigning group aiming to reinstate a rail connection to Bude, has released findings of its recent Bude-Okehampton Bus Survey. The questionnaire, which was posted through the doors of households in Bude and Stratton, asked residents about their experiences using public transport in order to access the town’s nearest railway station in Okehampton.

Following the survey’s results, the organisation is calling for greater connectivity and cheaper transport within the town.

A spokesperson from Connect Bude said: “The responses present clear evidence that unreliable transport connections are limiting access to education, employment and healthcare across North Cornwall. The survey, delivered randomly to more than 500 households in Bude and completed by 188 residents, was undertaken in partnership with Railfuture. The results show strong, consistent themes rather than isolated complaints.

“Currently, just under 25 per cent of respondents reported ever travelling by bus to Okehampton and beyond, while just over 90 per cent use cars. Crucially, the data suggests this is not a matter of preference but of confidence and trust. Residents repeatedly described the current system as unreliable and stressful, particularly when attempting to connect with trains at Okehampton and Exeter.”

According to respondents, despite the reopening of the Dartmoor Line, bus arrival times regularly fail to align with train departures, thus resulting in missed connections and extended trips.

“A missed connection can mean a wait of up to an hour - or significantly longer on Sundays - often resulting in abandoned journeys and a permanent return to car use, for those who have that option,” the spokesperson continued. “The survey identifies reliability as the single biggest factor influencing travel behaviour: if connections are not guaranteed, residents will default to driving, if they have access to a private vehicle.

“The findings also demonstrate that transport is not simply a logistical issue, but an economic and social one. Respondents linked poor connectivity directly to missed college start times, restricted access to evening classes, lost job opportunities and reduced client work.”

Healthcare access was another significant concern, particularly for older residents and disabled passengers navigating complex interchanges without sufficient facilities. The organisation has also highlighted that other research shows that students' travel length affects both grades and mental health.

“Bude remains England’s largest community without direct railway access and continues to experience some of the weakest bus links to the national rail network,” they continued.

“Residents were clear that reliable connectivity to Exeter is essential for economic growth, skills development and retaining young people locally

“The survey shows strong public support for a guaranteed bus–rail connection at Okehampton of hourly services that meet every train, integrated ticketing covering both bus and rail, and extended early morning and evening services aligned with education and work patterns.

“Respondents indicated that short, dependable transfer times are critical to building trust in the network. Affordability was also highlighted as a determining factor in encouraging greener travel choices with through-ticking being one of our higher rated needs.”