SRUG was founded in 2006 in response to the proposed massive timetable cuts in the new franchise proposals that would run from December 2006. The early campaign was focussed on getting the cuts that were being imposed by Department for Transport reversed - initial 'success' meant that a 50% cut became 'only' a 25% cut once the timetable was actually introduced.

By continuing to work with the main operator, First Great Western, and continued lobbying based on showing that there is a demand for better rail services in Saltash we have now (Summer 2008) got the timetable back to more or less it's pre-franchise level. We also now have through services to London (Saltash is again a name on the Paddington departure boards), but we are still missing the key early morning commuter service to Plymouth (the 'dockyard' train) and the Sunday service remains a bit of a joke.

SRUG exists to represent the views of passengers and potential rail users in Saltash to organisations involved in providing the train service - this includes First Great Western, Network Rail, Cross-Country Trains (no service yet), Department for Transport and others. We lobby for imporved services that better meet the needs of the local community - including making representations to local councils, regional and national government.

We also aim to improve the awareness of and use of the train services in Saltash - when we started many people in the town were under the impression that the station was closed and trains no longer stopped. This is far from the case and for local travel into Plymouth the train is the quickest and cheapest mode available, and for travel throughout Cornwall and beyond fares can be significantly lower than only the fuel costs of driving.

The station is served by 12 or 13 trains in each direction every weekday, and it is an increasingly popular and well used facility.