The first phase of the Mid Cornwall Metro was launched on Sunday with an hourly service between Par and Newquay

The new services are made possible by the introduction of Class 175 trains introduced late last year, which will help drive “improved performance” and “resilience, and significant improvements to the infrastructure by Network Rail.

It also follows the installation of a 400m passing loop at Goss Moor and a second platform at Newquay Railway Station.

The Mid Cornwall Metro Scheme will also see improvements in Newquay to local bus stops, the station car park and outside landscaping.

The installation of new tap-in, tap-out facilities at the station now allows Pay As You Go local travel across Cornwall and to/from Plymouth with a GWR smartcard.

The project will also improve walking and cycling access to the station.

The summer timetable will see the introduction of daily direct services between London and Newquay.

Travelling on a special test train ahead of the new service commencing, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, Cllr Dan Rogerson, said: “Mid Cornwall Metro is about giving residents simple, reliable and more sustainable ways to travel across central Cornwall. Passenger numbers have continued to grow over the many years we have worked with GWR, Network Rail and government to improve our rail services - demonstrating that when we invest in reliable, accessible services, residents choose to use it.

“Alongside the rail improvements, the MCM project is also investing in the roads, pavements and public spaces around the stations to make it easier for residents to walk, wheel, cycle or use the bus to reach their local station, reducing congestion and supporting healthier, more sustainable travel choices.”

Matt Barnes, GWR Head of Strategic Service Development, said: “The start of the Mid Cornwall Metro is a landmark moment, not just for the branch line, but for Cornwall as a whole. We know from experience the difference a step change in train services can make, whether that's through more frequent services or new stations.

“This will encourage more people to travel by train to Cornwall and around it, and that is good for communities, good for the economy and good for the environment."

Chris Fuoco, Devon & Cornwall programme director for Network Rail, said: “This is a significant milestone for rail in Cornwall and a testament to the strong partnership that has delivered Mid Cornwall Metro.

“Mid Cornwall Metro reflects the direction of travel for the railway as we move towards Great British Railways, bringing track and train closer together, simplifying the network and focusing on delivering better, more joined-up services for passengers and the communities we serve.

“At Network Rail, we have been proud to upgrade key infrastructure on the Par–Newquay line, including reinstating a second platform at Newquay and introducing a new passing loop, enabling a step change in service frequency and reliability.

“These improvements will make a real difference for residents, businesses and visitors, by providing more frequent, dependable journeys and better connections across central Cornwall.”

Richard Burningham, of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, said: “This is a massive step change in Newquay's train service and has been long sought. Hats off to Cornwall Council, GWR, the government and all who have made it possible. We look forward to many more local people taking the train and to more tourists and day trippers visiting Newquay by train, boosting the town's economy.”

Direct routes between Newquay and Falmouth are due to begin next year, which are due to stop at St Austell, Truro and Penryn. It is hoped the Mid Cornwall Metro will open up opportunities for tourism, education, training and employment.