Mid Cornwall Metro Launch Drives Sharp Increase in Passenger Numbers

Passenger demand on the Atlantic Coast Line has risen significantly following the introduction of the first phase of Mid Cornwall Metro services, with journeys between Newquay and Par increasing by almost a quarter compared with the same period last year.

Figures released by Great Western Railway (GWR) show that between 17 and 23 May, an additional 726 journeys were recorded on the route compared with the equivalent week in 2025. The strongest growth was seen on the first Saturday of operation, when passenger numbers were around 50 per cent higher, representing an increase of 429 journeys.

A celebration event was held at Newquay station on 1 June to mark the successful introduction of the new services, which provide the most extensive timetable on the line since the 1960s.

Under GWR's revised timetable, passengers now benefit from 15 weekday services between Par and Newquay, 14 trains on Saturdays and eight on Sundays. Seasonal direct trains linking Newquay with London Paddington have also returned, increasing the number of weekday services serving the route to 17.

The £57 million Mid Cornwall Metro programme, funded by Cornwall Council and the UK Government, is designed to improve rail connectivity between key Cornish communities including Newquay, St Austell, Truro and Falmouth/Penryn. The project aims to create a more sustainable transport network while improving access to employment, education and essential services.

As part of the investment, pay-as-you-go ticketing has been introduced across Cornwall, helping passengers access the best available fares on the day they travel.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy welcomed the early results, describing the scheme as a major boost for both residents and visitors travelling between Cornwall's north and south coasts. He highlighted the Government's £50 million contribution to the project and its role in supporting economic growth and improving access to jobs, healthcare, education and leisure opportunities.

Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for transport, Councillor Dan Rogerson, said the project reflects the authority's commitment to providing residents with more sustainable travel options. He noted that previous investments in Cornwall's rail network had already led to substantial increases in passenger usage, demonstrating the value of reliable and accessible public transport.

GWR's Head of Strategic Service Development, Matt Barnes, said the initial figures indicate strong demand for enhanced rail services and show the positive impact the scheme is already having on travel choices, local communities and the regional economy.

Network Rail's Devon and Cornwall Programme Director, Chris Fuoco, added that the early success of the service highlights the long-term benefits that investment in rail infrastructure can bring to communities across the region.

To support the expanded timetable, Network Rail has completed several infrastructure upgrades, including reopening Platform 2 at Newquay station for passenger use and installing a passing loop that enables two trains to operate simultaneously on the branch line.

Passengers are also benefiting from the introduction of Class 175 trains, which offer increased capacity, improved comfort and enhanced reliability. The fleet began entering service in stages from December last year.

The launch comes alongside the publication of a new report commissioned by GWR, which forecasts that development linked to Britain's regional rail network could support more than one million jobs and contribute almost £79 billion annually to the economy by 2036.

Further expansion of the Mid Cornwall Metro programme is planned, with the second phase due to begin next year and extending services to Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.