Exeter rail journeys surge council pushes public transport to meet Net Zero goals

Exeter is seeing a sharp rise in rail passenger numbers as city leaders say public transport will be critical to meeting ambitious net zero targets.

New figures highlighted by Exeter City Council show that the Devon Metro network – serving stations across the city – has grown by 46 per cent since 2019. 

The network now accounts for around 21,000 journeys a day, compared with 14,000 in 2019 and just 6,000 in 2005.

The data, released by Great Western Railway (GWR), underlines Exeter’s position as one of the best-connected cities in the South West by rail, with stations including Exeter St Davids railway station, Exeter Central railway station and several suburban stops linking communities across the city.

Exeter Central is currently undergoing refurbishment works aimed at improving facilities and enhancing the passenger experience.

Cllr Matt Vizard, the council’s Lead Councillor for Climate and Ecological Change, said the growth in rail travel demonstrates changing travel patterns and supports the authority’s climate strategy.

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“Exeter is very well served for train stations which provide journeys for students, workers, shoppers, tourists, families, right into the heart of our city and rail travel is booming with passenger numbers significantly increased since Covid,” he said.

“[Exeter Central] is under refurbishment which is great news, improves the rail experience for passengers.

“Great Western Railway is due to be renationalized later this year, bringing our service back under public control, so it's an exciting time for rail travel and for passengers.”

He added: “Public transport is a key component of our city's bold Net Zero ambitions.”

Exeter has previously declared a climate emergency and is working towards becoming a net zero city. 

Cllr Vizard said achieving that goal will require a reduction in car use alongside improvements to public and active travel.

“In order to reduce carbon emissions and tackle the climate emergency we need to reduce car journeys, we need to make active travel more accessible and public transport better,” he said.

“We also need to reduce our carbon emissions from commercial buildings, and we need to reduce emissions from our residential homes.”

Beyond transport, the council says it is delivering a series of practical measures to cut emissions across its own estate and housing stock.

Solar panels have been installed on the roofs of many council-owned buildings, with further expansion recently agreed. 

The authority also operates a pioneering solar farm, which powers its recycling centres, offices and electric vehicle fleet.

In housing, retrofit works are continuing across the city. In the last year alone, 152 council homes were upgraded to improve energy efficiency, bringing the total number of retrofitted properties to 1,250. 

The improvements are intended to reduce carbon emissions, cut household energy bills and make homes warmer for residents.

The council has also nearly completed the rollout of kerbside food waste collections citywide, a move aimed at reducing landfill waste and associated emissions. 

Carbon literacy training is provided to councillors and staff and will soon be offered to external organisations.

Cllr Vizard said partnership working is key to Exeter’s ambitions, pointing to collaboration with local businesses, public sector bodies, climate scientists at the University of Exeter and experts at the Met Office.

He also urged residents to engage with the Government’s consultation on local government reorganisation, arguing that a new unitary authority for Exeter would bring transport, roads and highways under one structure.

“The new unitary council finally brings back together all services including transport, roads and highways,” he said. 

“This will enable good decision-making around public transport, better control potentially over our vital bus services and more active travel including cycle routes.”

“The climate crisis is the most urgent challenge we face. By bringing together businesses, residents and organisations, Exeter can lead the way to positive change.”

The figures and comments were published by Exeter City Council on 13 February 2026.