Plans for Mid-Cornwall Metro rail service between Newquay and Falmouth
The proposal has been awarded development funding
A proposal for a Mid-Cornwall Metro rail service has been awarded development funding.
It is part of the wider national Restoring Your Railway Fund to develop proposals that level up transport links across the country.
If it goes ahead, it will create a coast to coast through-service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.
Officials say it would reduce journey times and ease road congestion for people living along the route.
The proposal has been championed by local MPs Steve Double and Cherilyn Mackrory.
“I am absolutely delighted to see the Mid-Cornwall Metro rail service scheme awarded development funding to allow these plans to be progressed.
“These plans will provide a coast to coast rail link between Falmouth and Newquay. A route for enabling students to easily commute from further afield to the university campuses at Falmouth and Penryn to Newquay, and a great way to grow Falmouth and Penryn’s economy.
“I will continue to do all I can, working with local partners and the Department for Transport, to ensure this project progresses.”
Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth
“This proposal is one I have been working on for some time.
“If successful it will provide opportunities for Newquay residents to have better connections to St Austell and Truro, as well as Plymouth and beyond. It will also create a direct regular coast to coast link between Newquay and Falmouth.
“Connecting two of Cornwall's key tourist centres will be good for local businesses and the wider economy of both towns as well as those communities along the route.
“I am delighted to have secured this funding from the Government which will allow the development of a business case for this new service, which will include improved railway infrastructure to allow a direct service to operate on the existing lines.
“I look forward to continuing to work with all concerned to ensure this project becomes a reality in the coming years.”
Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay