THE new £160,00 diesel shuttle service from Taunton station to the WSR Bishops Lydeard terminus was hailed “a great success” and “running like clockwork” when it made its inaugural runs last Saturday to launch a three-month pilot scheme.

The Exmoor Gateway project will run on six Saturdays until October, enabling passengers to travel by rail between Minehead and the main line at Taunton on a combination of steam and diesel trains.

“We carried 250 people on the five shuttles between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard with 90 people on the first train which left Taunton and over 70 then going on to other WSR destinations en route to Minehead,” a spokesman said.

“It all ran like clockwork and the shuttles are expected to be even busier next weekend for the WSRA rally at Norton Fitzwarren as the trains will also call there.”

Local MP Rebecca Pow flagged off the inaugural service from Taunton. On arrival at bunting-decked Bishops Lydeard, civic leaders and GWR and WSR officials took the 10.15 steam-hauled train to Minehead.

They were met by Minehead mayor Cllr Sandra Slade, Watchet town crier David Milton and Friends of Minehead Station chairman Martyn Snell.

“It was a great success,” the spokesman said. “Both WSR and GWR intend to build up shuttle passenger figures with more promotions and publicity.

“But first signs are that the shuttle will become a real asset to both railway networks. And hopefully, this is only the start.”