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.
You've got to start somewhere with any kind of rail improvements and for most punters a train is a train - so long as it's on-time, clean, a nice temperature, well lit and doesn't break down they will be happy.
That gets the early-adopters on, people change their behaviour, even move house to take advantage in some cases, and as ridership builds, so does the business case for longer and more frequent trains, infrastructure enhancements etc.
The way that Network Rail works these days is that little gets announced until it's costed, planned & agreed with all concerned. The Falmouth station improvements are likely still in the planning stages.
Using older stock doesn't seem to have done the Okehampton line much harm.
