Cited as one of the most successful rail/bus services in the country, the Eden branch line combines the ease of a seamless journey from rail to bus alongside exciting on board visual information about the Eden Project.

Background

The Eden project predicted at its opening that there would be 750,000 visitors through its doors in the first year. The actual numbers were 1.5 million. The Eden Project has a commitment to ensure that at least 20% of its visitors travel by non-car modes to ensure that sustainable transport aims are facilitated.

The Funding

As part of the travel plan requirements agreed at the planning stage, The Eden Project entered into a partnership with Truronian bus company, to provide a dedicated, high quality bus link from St. Austell station directly to the Eden site- the Eden Branch line.

The Countryside Agency gave financial assistance in acquiring two new buses of the same standard as already employed on the successful Helston branch line (T34) for the Eden Project.

Progress to Date

The Eden Branch Line service operates throughout the year, providing connections with rail services to and from St. Austell station. These buses include easy access, family seating area, bicycle rack, a two way radio system, and include a short introductory video of the Eden Project shown on monitors during the short journey to the project. 

Over 40,000 passengers used the service in its first year, of which over 50% were through rail passengers making it the most successful rail/bus integrated service in the country. The through rail/bus tickets for this service are available from any railway station in the UK.  As demand continues to rise the service has been extended to provide two return journeys from Newquay to the Eden Project every day. As a result of this success in 2002 the service was awarded the Bus Industry Award in the category of ‘Bus for Pleasure’.

For further information please contact vfraser@cornwall.gov.uk

Last revised - 22nd July 2003