Public virtual reality event to show new rail network

The virtual experience will take place on the 9 and 10 February

Members of the public have been invited to see how a new rail network will connect Cornwall.

People can take part in a virtual reality balloon ride over the planned Mid Cornwall Metro route from Newquay to Penryn.

The upgrade aims to bring an hourly direct train service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.

Councillor Richard Williams-Pears said it was a "revolutionising" initiative.

The council said Mid Cornwall Metro would include:

• A second platform at Newquay Railway Station 

• A new passing loop on the Newquay branch line at Tregoss Moor 

• A doubling of the number of rail services between Newquay and Par

• Improved walking routes, links to the bus network and Beryl Bikes

• Tap-on/tap-off 'Pay-As-You-Go' ticketing

Mr Williams-Pears, the council's portfolio holder for transport, said: "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 virtual reality event will allow participants to explore the changes as a pedestrian or cyclist using a gamepad and visualise the new improved payment layout using an interactive media table.

The £56.8m initiative has been funded by Cornwall council and £50m of government Levelling Up Funding.

The experience, by digital design partners Digital Urban, will take place at Hotel Victoria in Newquay on the 9 and 10 February.