Cornwall to get £50m boost from UK government to transform public transportation

Cornwall is on the brink of a public transport transformation with the announcement of a £50 million government investment aimed at delivering the mid-Cornwall Metro Scheme. This substantial financial injection promises to significantly enhance the travel experience for Cornwall’s residents and visitors alike by providing a new, hourly coast-to-coast train service connecting the region’s largest urban areas: Newquay, St Austell, Truro, and Falmouth.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper, during his visit to Newquay Station on 27 March 2024, met with local leaders, including St Austell and Newquay MP Steve Double, to discuss the progress of this pivotal improvement project. The scheme is not only designed to bolster connectivity across Cornwall but also to open up a wealth of employment, business, and education opportunities for the local community.

The mid-Cornwall Metro Scheme, set to be fully operational by the end of 2025, is poised to introduce vital infrastructure upgrades along the Newquay rail line. This includes the addition of a second platform at Newquay station and an extra ‘passing loop’ on the tracks, which will significantly increase the route’s capacity and allow for additional services.

Moreover, passengers will benefit from a modernized ticketing system enabling them to simply ‘tap-in’ and ‘tap-out’, thereby ensuring they are always charged the best fare without the hassle of planning ahead. This initiative marks a significant leap towards making Cornwall’s rail service fit for the future.

In line with the government’s commitment to sustainable travel, the scheme will also introduce improvements to encourage walking and cycling. These include new cycle parking facilities, bike hire options, widened footpaths, and enhanced crossing points around stations.

The collaboration between Cornwall Council, Great Western Railway (GWR), and Network Rail underpins the scheme’s ambitious vision. Notably, the partnership will double the number of rail services between Newquay and Par, adding an impressive 700,000 seats annually for passengers.

Joe Graham, GWR Business Assurance Director, emphasized the scheme’s potential to connect people with jobs, education, and leisure opportunities, thereby providing substantial support to the community and local economies.

Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western Route Director, highlighted the recent track and signalling upgrades in Devon and Cornwall as pivotal to the development of the mid-Cornwall Metro. He noted the scheme’s role in improving safety, accessibility, and reducing carbon emissions by encouraging train travel over car use.

Councillor Richard Williams-Pears, Cabinet Portfolio holder for Transport, reiterated Cornwall Council’s commitment to providing a sustainable and modern Cornwall. This initiative is crucial for rail and active travel improvements across the region, aiming to revolutionize how residents navigate Cornwall and spur local economic growth and sustainable investment.

The £50 million investment into Cornwall’s public transport system through the mid-Cornwall Metro Scheme represents a transformative step towards enhancing regional connectivity and promoting sustainable travel options. By improving rail infrastructure and encouraging active travel, this project is set to have a profound impact on the daily lives of Cornwall’s residents and the environmental footprint of regional transport.