en.Wedoany.com Reported - Following the first phase of the Mid-Cornwall Metro project, passenger numbers on the railway line have seen significant growth. In the week since service frequency doubled on May 17, ridership on a branch line in Cornwall increased by a quarter.
The first phase of the project increased local train services between Newquay and Par from eight to 15 daily, in addition to two daily trains to London. Data from Great Western Railway (GWR) shows that trips on the line rose nearly 25% compared to the same period last year, with Saturday trips increasing by 50%. Between May 17 and 23, the line carried an additional 726 passengers.
Next year, Mid-Cornwall Metro trains from Newquay will be extended further to St Austell, Truro, and Falmouth, connecting Cornwall's four largest towns by rail for the first time. The metro plan has a total cost of £57 million, primarily funded by the government's "Levelling Up" fund. Works include rebuilding Newquay's second platform, adding a passing loop on the branch line, and replacing the old signaling system based on Victorian-era electric token blocks with a new signaling system and axle counters.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said he was delighted to see that a large number of passengers have already started using the new Mid-Cornwall Metro services between Newquay and Par, emphasizing that this is just the beginning. He believes this transformative project aims to strengthen connections between local residents and tourists on Cornwall's north and south coasts, with the government investing £50 million. The project has already begun facilitating access to employment, education, healthcare, leisure, and tourism within its first two weeks, while promoting economic growth. Cornwall Council's cabinet member for transport, Cllr Dan Rogerson, noted that the project aims to provide residents with more sustainable travel options. He stated that through collaboration with GWR, Network Rail, and the government, passenger numbers on Cornwall's mainline and branch lines have grown significantly in recent years, proving that investing in reliable and convenient public transport can effectively attract residents to use it. Cornwall Council has played a leading role in this project and will continue to work with all parties to improve transportation conditions for local people.
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