Mid Cornwall Metro

Mid Cornwall Metro is a joint venture between Network Rail, Cornwall Council and Great Western Railway to bring more trains to Cornwall and provide coast-to-coast connectivity

What is Mid Cornwall Metro?

Mid Cornwall Metro is a £56.8m project that will deliver an hourly coast-to-coast rail service between Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.

A new rail passing loop at Tregoss Moor will allow trains to pass each other. This will enable local and long-distance services to operate concurrently – meaning local services can run all year round.

The project will include station improvements and better walking and cycling access, including at Roche and Bugle stations. Tap in, tap out Pay As You Go ticketing with a GWR smartcard will also be extended to the whole of Cornwall, plus Plymouth and the Tamar Valley Line, as part of the project.

Walking and cycling links will be improved between Penryn and Falmouth, including to Penryn station and the University campuses.

Map of Mid Cornwall Metro

What work needs to happen?

New passing loop at Goss Moor

Three key stages of work need to be completed to prepare the Newquay branch line for more trains:

  • Restore a second platform at Newquay station – complete February 2025
  • Build a new 400m passing loop at Goss Moor – complete March 2025
  • Install new digital signals – complete November 2025

When will more trains begin to run?

GWR will introduce hourly trains between Newquay and Par from spring 2026. Direct services from Newquay to Falmouth will follow in winter 2026/27.

When the full Mid Cornwall Metro timetable is in use trains will be:

  • One train per hour between Newquay and Par
  • Three trains per hour between Par and Truro
  • Two trains per hour between Truro and Falmouth
  • One train per hour between Falmouth and Newquay

What other work is being done?

Train travelling over Ponts Mill viaduct

Extensive refurbishment has also been completed to Ponts Mill viaduct. Built in 1873, the viaduct carries the Newquay branch line over the River Par.

The timber decks of the bridge were removed and replaced with new steel decks and the bridge girders were strengthened. The steel was repainted and repairs were completed to three 30m high stone piers and two abutments.

With the bridge now strengthened, trains, including freight from the nearby mineral site, can travel over the viaduct without the need to slow down.

Design work is also being completed to build a new fully-accessible footbridge with lifts at Par. The next stage of this project will be decided in winter 2025.

I have a question

For any queries please email info@midcornwallmetro.com or visit our contact us page.