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A project to transform transport links in mid Cornwall has been given the go-ahead by the Council’s cabinet.
Working with delivery partners GWR and Network Rail, the new Mid Cornwall Metro coast to coast rail service will create a sustainable transport corridor through central Cornwall by improving the current links between four of Cornwall’s largest towns: Newquay, St Austell, Truro, and Falmouth/Penryn.
Cabinet members agreed to provisionally accept the offer of £50m Levelling Up Funding towards the delivery of the £56.8 million Mid Cornwall Metro initiative.
Cllr Richard Williams-Pears, the Council’s portfolio holder for transport, said: "We are committed to providing a thriving and sustainable Cornwall, fit for the modern world, for the benefit our residents.
"This initiative is absolutely key to delivering rail and active travel improvements across Cornwall both now and in the future, to enhance the lives of our residents by revolutionising how we can navigate across the Duchy.
"It is an important next step in developing and improving the transport network to support more active lifestyles, offer a greener alternative, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and alleviate traffic congestion by encouraging more people to leave the car and walk, cycle and use public transport instead.
"The Council has already successfully bid for £50 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, and we recognise the importance of this initiative to enable a levelling up of the local economy and future sustainable growth and investment in mid Cornwall. But we recognise too that in these straitened economic times, we have to be mindful that Cornwall Council is the accountable body for the project, and we need to keep a tight hold of the purse strings and a close eye on the project delivery.
"As well as its green credentials and being a catalyst for economic growth and local regeneration around the stations, I see this as the beginning of a transport revolution for Cornwall with this being the Mid Cornwall section of the eventual Cornwall Metro."
