The number of passengers on a Cornish branch line rose by a quarter in the first week after the service was doubled on 17 May.

The first phase of Mid Cornwall Metro has seen the number of local trains between Newquay and Par increased from eight to 15 a day, plus two daily trains to London.

GWR said the number of journeys had risen by almost 25 per cent when compared with the same week a year ago, while the number of people travelling on Saturday was up by 50 per cent.

Between 17 and 23 May an additional 726 passengers were recorded on the route.

Next year Mid Cornwall Metro trains from Newquay will continue to St Austell, Truro and Falmouth, linking the four largest towns in Cornwall by rail for the first time.

The Metro scheme has cost £57 million, most of which came from the Government’s Levelling-Up fund. It involved the rebuilding of a second platform at Newquay and an additional passing loop on the branch, as well as new signalling and axle counters which have replaced the Victorian electric tokens.

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.

‘This transformative project is all about boosting connections for both local people and tourists between Cornwall’s north and south coasts. That is why the Government invested £50 million into this project, which, in its first fortnight, is already unlocking access to jobs, education, health, leisure and tourism, and creating economic growth.’

Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport Cllr Dan Rogerson added: ‘We want to give residents more sustainable choices for how they travel in Cornwall – and Mid Cornwall Metro is about doing just that.

‘Our partnership with GWR, Network Rail and Government has seen significant growth in passenger numbers on the Cornish main line and branch lines over recent years which shows that when we invest in reliable, accessible public transport, residents choose to use it.

‘Cornwall Council has played a leading role in this project and we will continue to work with all partners to improve transport options for the people of Cornwall.’

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