To be honest, linking issues at Penryn with the new arrangements when similar issues have occurred regularly previously isn't as black and white as could be inferred from today's information.

Must admit to being surprised that the old materiel has been removed prior to full in service operations of its replacement. Network Rail Western displaying massive chutzpah.

I noted this morning that the Eastern Park and Ride site in Truro had a section marked off as GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) parking. No vehicles parked and I can't find any instructions as to how it's supposed to be used. No publicity means no users.

FROM PERSONAL contacts, the apathy and antagonism to this plan from my acquaintances and on Facebook leads me to think that it won't progress to a conclusion. I note already apparent cutbacks, no mention is made on the website of the proposed platform extension at Falmouth Town and the enhancement of Falmouth Docks. I also fear that the reversal time at Par will be detrimental to the overall experience. The question of new rolling stock has to be raised too, using 20+ year old equipment on a 'flagship' scheme really isn't on. I note the discussion elsewhere on replacement rolling stock for local services might have relevance. 

The MCM now has it's own website -

https://midcornwallmetro.com

The local publicity drive started today.

This is where people make mistakes, provide the option and people will use it. The effective curfewed, domestically restricted, non car owners over Christmas needs reflecting on.

A 365/7/24 railway is what we should be aiming for, albeit with some minor Sunday tweaks. If it can be done in parts of Europe why not here.

Thankfully this hairbrained scheme has been dropped. Allowing others to compete and undercut give offers (Such as the 8pct off all fares recently by LNER^» (London North Eastern Railway - about) - If you knew where to look) should be the way forward.

Had similar in a snowy Berner Oberland in the early 2000's where the BOB was OOS due to avalanche risk between Interlaken Ost and Grindelwald. Replacement was bus from Interlaken WEST to above Wilderswil and then via chopper to the east of Grindelwald and a shared taxi back to Grindelwald station. Worked well. 

A small length of the recently acquired trackbed from Truthall Halt towards the Water-ma-Trout viaduct and Helston is having a short length of track laid on it (under the bridge) during the operational pause during November and early December.

Helston Railway on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/helstonrailway/posts/pfbid0BA1EQQYnSKhaxmGSosG1s1S4TjEhpYV5ADeD2TptYjijthdDkEZuruLmZsGgo9jXl

Announced today the ITSO card currently available in the Bristol area is being introduced to Cornwall (well, west and central Cornwall) in a fortnight. Readers installed over the past months will start accepting the card for local journeys from Par westwards including the Falmouth Docks and St Ives branches. The intention to extend to Plymouth is included in the Mid Cornwall Metro project funding for which has been agreed.

All rail replacement buses, to and from Truro were reported on Tiger as being cancelled at 1920 tonight.

Work begins on the new St Erth footbridge


https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-begins-to-bring-step-free-access-to-st-erth

Travelled from Par to Newquay today on one of the two car services that are normal on the line, not a 5 car IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train). Because of, we all know what, this was my first journey on the line since 2019 at least, probably 2018. The trip was very comfortable. One thing did surprise though, after Roche the line speed seemed faster than I seemed to remember. I am aware of new track laying, at several locations, in the intervening period since my last trip. My question is, is this 'line speed increase' the case or is it a figment of my imagination?

   

Allegedly a Tweet late this evening from Cherilyn Mackrory MP^▸ (Member of Parliament) indicates that the 'go ahead' has been announced - Nothing on DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) site yet.

https://www.cherilynmackrory.org.uk/news/mid-cornwall-metro-project-track-levelling-plans-win-government-approval

EDIT FOUND IT

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/landmark-levelling-up-fund-to-spark-transformational-change-across-the-uk