Train journeys increase 25% after rail upgrade

11 hours ago

The Mid Cornwall Metro scheme between Newquay and Par

BBC A passenger train is pulling into a small outdoor railway station with two platforms, with a stone station building and a few people waiting nearby. The tracks curve away under a bridge in the background, with signals showing red and trees and houses surrounding the area. — The Mid Cornwall Metro scheme between Newquay and Par

Rail journeys have jumped in the first week of upgraded train services between Newquay and Par.

Figures from Great Western Railway show journeys climbed by almost 25%, with 726 more journeys between 17 and 23 May than over the same period in 2025.

It follows the launch of the £57m Mid Cornwall Metro scheme, funded by the UK government and Cornwall Council.

The first phase focuses on the Newquay to Par line, where services have been boosted to up to 15 trains a day during the week. Further plans will extend services to Truro, Penryn and Falmouth next year. Direct summer services between London Paddington and Newquay have also been reinstated, said GWR.

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Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy said: "It's brilliant to see so many people already making the most of the new Mid Cornwall Metro between Newquay and Par and this is just the beginning."

Councillor Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said the Metro was giving "residents more sustainable choices for how they travel and the numbers showed "that when we invest in reliable, accessible public transport, residents choose to use it".

Matt Barnes, GWR head of strategic service development, said: "These early passenger figures are hugely encouraging and show there is real demand for more frequent rail services in Cornwall."

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