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New train timetables introduced

First said it had addressed concerns during a consultation process
Commuters on Devon and Cornwall's railways face significant changes to their journeys from Monday. First Great Western, which runs the counties' branch lines and local services, as well as many mainline ones, has brought in a new timetable.

In Devon, controversy has focused on a reduction in the three-hour Plymouth to London services and the removal of some early morning commuter services.

Cornwall sees a 33% cut in trains servicing Saltash and St Germans.

First Great Western has brought in the new timetable after long and heated negotiations during a consultation process carried out earlier this year.

Although it started its current Greater Western franchises in April after being awarded them last December, it has taken until now to work out the timetable changes.

It has to pay the Treasury more than £1bn under its new 10-year contract.

As well Plymouth-to-London cuts, Devon sees the removal of an early morning commuter service from Teignmouth and Dawlish to Exeter.

A key evening train service used by commuters out of Truro has also been axed.

BBC South West Business Correspondent Neil Gallacher said: "There are some improvements too - there are more daily through services from London to Penzance, and some through services have been speeded up.

First Great Western said it had addressed most of the concerns raised by passengers about the changes during the consultation process.