Home / Business and Economy / Cornwall Rail Sees 25% Surge Post-Upgrade
Cornwall Rail Sees 25% Surge Post-Upgrade
2 Jun
Summary
- Rail journeys between Newquay and Par increased by nearly 25%.
- The boost follows a £57m investment in the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme.
- Services on the Newquay to Par line now run up to 15 times daily.
Train travel on the Newquay to Par line has seen a substantial increase of nearly 25% in the week following service enhancements. This surge in ridership occurred between May 17 and May 23, with 726 more journeys recorded compared to the same period in 2025.
The positive uptake is a direct result of the £57m Mid Cornwall Metro scheme, a project jointly funded by the UK government and Cornwall Council. The initial phase of this scheme has enhanced services on the Newquay to Par route, now offering up to 15 weekday trains. Future plans aim to extend these improved services to Truro, Penryn, and Falmouth next year. Direct summer services from London Paddington to Newquay have also been reinstated.
Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy expressed enthusiasm, stating that the early figures are a testament to the success of the new services and represent just the beginning of improved connectivity. Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, Councillor Dan Rogerson, emphasized the scheme's role in providing sustainable travel options and validating investment in accessible public transport. Matt Barnes from Great Western Railway noted the figures are encouraging, demonstrating a clear demand for more frequent rail services in the region.
