£50m boost for Mid Cornwall Metro
The Government's announced it's providing the funding for the service
An extra £50m is going towards the Mid Cornwall Metro.
The Government's revealed it's putting up the cash today to support the scheme for a new hourly train service between Newquay, St Austell, Truro and Falmouth.
The Department for Transport says it will also bring vital infrastructure enhancements along the Newquay rail line including a second platform at Newquay station and an additional "passing loop" on the tracks to increase capacity and allow extra services to run.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said, "It’s very encouraging to see the momentum building behind the Mid-Cornwall Metro Scheme, an important project that’s part of our plan to improve local transport in Cornwall."
The scheme will also encourage walking and cycling by delivering active travel improvements in and around stations including new cycle parking, bike hire options, widened footpaths and better crossing points.
Other improvements will include level crossing upgrades and signalling improvements to make rail services more reliable.
GWR Business Assurance Director Joe Graham said, "The improvement to Newquay that the Mid Cornwall Metro will bring will really enhance services, better connecting people with jobs, students with education services, and leisure opportunities for all – providing valuable support for the community and local economies.
"We continue to work with our industry partners to ensure we can deliver on these improvements in the future."
Network Rail’s Western Route Director Marcus Jones said, “Our recently completed track and signalling upgrade in Devon and Cornwall has unlocked the door to the development of the Mid Cornwall Metro, which will help more people than ever before travel by train.
“Not only will the scheme provide coast-to-coast travel with an hourly direct train service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth, it will also improve safety and accessibility. Enabling easier travel by train will also help to cut congestion on our roads, reducing carbon emissions.
“We’re really looking forward to starting work later this year to deliver this exciting project with our partners at Cornwall Council and GWR.”