Best train service for Newquay since the 1960s is almost here
A new Mid Cornwall Metro service will see the near doubling of trains on the Par-Newquay branch line.
From Sunday 17 May the first phase of the long-awaited Mid Cornwall Metro services will start, providing the best train service on the line since the 1960s.
15 local trains will run between Par and Newquay Monday to Friday, 14 on Saturdays and eight on Sundays, a new record for the Atlantic Coast line and a welcome boost to the regional economy. Direct summer services between London Paddington and Newquay are also to be reinstated taking the number of weekday services to 17.
This is not simply a timetable change. It is the result of years of planning, partnership and investment. Funded by Cornwall Council and UK Government, Mid Cornwall Metro is a £57m investment to upgrade the current rail links between four of Cornwall’s largest towns: Newquay, St Austell, Truro, and Falmouth/Penryn. Creating a sustainable transport corridor through central Cornwall, it will help residents better connect to employment, education and key services.
The rail improvements will be complemented by improvements around the stations to make them attractive gateways to the local area where people want to spend time and visit local shops and businesses. Funding has also brought pay-as-you-go ticketing to Cornwall, giving residents access to the best value on the day fares.
Significant improvements to the infrastructure have been made by Network Rail to enable the service, including bringing back into passenger use platform 2 at Newquay station and a passing point which allows two trains to operate on the branch at the same time.
The new service is also thanks to the introduction of Class 175 trains, bringing enhanced capacity and comfort for passengers, and will help drive performance improvements and reliability. The trains began their phased introduction from December last year.
A new report produced by Development Economics, and commissioned by GWR, shows how Britain’s regional rail network supports jobs, homes, businesses and opportunity across the country.
The Growing Places report estimates that by 2036, development across Britain’s regional rail network could support over 1 million jobs and generate nearly £79 billion in annual economic value.
Travelling on a special test train ahead of the new service commencing, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, Cllr Dan Rogerson said:
“Mid Cornwall Metro is about giving residents simple, reliable and more sustainable ways to travel across central Cornwall. Passenger numbers have continued to grow over the many years we have worked with GWR, Network Rail and government to improve our rail services – demonstrating that when we invest in reliable, accessible services, residents choose to use it.
“Alongside the rail improvements, the MCM project is also investing in the roads, pavements and public spaces around the stations to make it easier for residents to walk, wheel, cycle or use the bus to reach their local station, reducing congestion and supporting healthier, more sustainable travel choices.”
Matt Barnes, GWR Head of Strategic Service Development, said:
“The start of the Mid Cornwall Metro is a landmark moment, not just for the branch line, but for Cornwall as a whole. We know from experience the difference a step change in train services can make, whether that’s through more frequent services or new stations.
“This will encourage more people to travel by train to Cornwall and around it, and that is good for communities, good for the economy and good for the environment.”
Chris Fuoco, Devon & Cornwall programme director for Network Rail, said:
“This is a significant milestone for rail in Cornwall and a testament to the strong partnership that has delivered Mid Cornwall Metro.
“Mid Cornwall Metro reflects the direction of travel for the railway as we move towards Great British Railways, bringing track and train closer together, simplifying the network and focusing on delivering better, more joined-up services for passengers and the communities we serve.”
“At Network Rail we have been proud to upgrade key infrastructure on the Par–Newquay line, including reinstating a second platform at Newquay and introducing a new passing loop, enabling a step change in service frequency and reliability.
“These improvements will make a real difference for residents, businesses and visitors by providing more frequent, dependable journeys and better connections across central Cornwall.”
Richard Burningham of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said:
“This is a massive step change in Newquay’s train service and has been long sought. Hats off to Cornwall Council, GWR, the Government and all who have made it possible. We look forward to many more local people taking the train and to more tourists and day trippers visiting Newquay by train, boosting the town’s economy.”
The new services will be followed by a phase 2 next year, extending services through to Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.
