 |
 |
||||||||||||||
|
 |
||||||||||||||
Platform 3 for the Helston Branch Line
This is the concept of the bus/rail branch line which is designed to act in all respects as an extension of the rail service timed to connect with the main line trains at Redruth. Main features of the Service are;
Background
In order to address this and attempt to increase patronage, the T34 service was introduced. The provision of this service meant that a partnership between the transport provider companies would have to be formed. This partnership was formed in 1996 and was originally known as the Cornwall Rail Development Partnership, which is now the Cornwall Rail Forum. Partners include Cornwall County Council, Truronian Ltd. (local bus company), the Countryside Agency, Network Rail and Wessex Trains. The Funding Funding parties included the funding scheme that includes grants from the Countryside Agency, the Regional Development Fund and the Rural Bus Challenge 1999. The Countryside Agency’s contribution provided a capital grant towards the cost of two new 34 seat ‘easy access’ buses for the route. The Issues and Solutions The need to comply with the rail industry’s regulations did hamper progress. Other contractual problems arose due to the nature of the project as it involved rail and road integration, and both rail and bus companies had to ensure that their needs were adequately catered for. During the concept stage the rail operating company needed to solve the problem of issuing through tickets on both bus and rail stations/trains. This was achieved by the use of more modern type of electronic machines capable of processing a range of tickets, and links to the national rail ticketing system. There were a number of access and maintenance issues in connection with the rail station. Network Rail were concerned about a new canopy shelter erected on their property and the maintenance and land rental issues surrounding this. Working in partnership, an arrangement had to be agreed for a permit to allow the bus company access across the station forecourt to the bus shelter (platform 3). Rail industries approval for the whole process was complex and time consuming, but completed within the project’s timescales. Progress to Date
For further information please contact bmitcham@cornwall.gov.ukLast revised - 22nd July 2003 |
The Royal Charter Town of Helston was served by a branch line from
Gwinear Road (on the Cornish main line between Camborne and Hayle) up
until its closure in 1964. Since then any rail passenger whose
destination was Helston had to complete their journey by bus from Truro,
Redruth or Penzance main line stations. The
The project has been successfully completed. All services incorporate
through ticketing from rail to bus that allow a truly integrated
sustainable system of transport in line with the Local Transport Plan
and Central Government policies. The bus/rail interchange facilities
incorporate a dedicated platform at Redruth station (Platform 3) and
raised kerbs at stops along the route. There is
a radio link between the train and the bus so if either are running
behind schedule it is possible for the other wait at the station making
it a more reliable service for the user. 
The facilities at Redruth Rail Station have been continually upgraded
through the Riviera Project. The most recent enhancements are; the
building situated on Platform 1 being refurbished and part of it being
converted to a heated waiting room open to the public. The rear entrance
to platform 1 has been upgraded allowing disabled access to the platform
and a cycle shelter has been incorporated as part of the integrated
transport enhancements. The whole of the bus branch line route has also
benefited from a general upgrade of stops along the route to provide
lay-bys, shelters, raised kerbs and other infrastructure improvements as
appropriate. 
