Fixing transport inequalities

Jayne Kirkham debating in Parliament

Good, reliable transport is essential for Cornwall, but with just one rail line, a single road bridge, and limited routes in and out, our connectivity too often falls short. Many residents tell me they’re struggling to get to work, school, or college. And recent cuts to Truro College buses have only made things harder for students.

Since the 2015 devolution deal, we have made progress with smart ticketing, growing bus usage, and new council partnerships. But 50% of our public transport still depends on council subsidies, and under the last Government, the south-west had the second lowest transport investment per head in England.

We need long-term infrastructure funding to fix our roads, electrify the main rail line, and reopen just 150 yards of freight track in Falmouth, which could take 77 lorries off the road with every train. With over 4,600 miles of rural roads, the £1.6 billion national pothole fund is a welcome start, and must be allocated with regional inequalities in mind.

Transport is the backbone of our economy. Cornwall Chamber of Commerce lists connectivity as a top business priority. Whether by rail, road, or air, I will keep pushing in Parliament to make sure Cornwall gets the investment it needs and deserves.