Analysis conducted as part of the franchise replacement process recommended the withdrawal of the four South Western services per weekday west of Exeter. From a National Rail perspective loss of revenue is minimal as there are alternative services operated by other train operators, with clear national financial benefit for this change of circa £5.5 million net present value (NPV) over the franchise. This will enable an hourly service to be introduced between Exeter and London Waterloo, a long held local and regional authority ambition, which will have a significant benefit to the Devon economy.