The challenges of diverse visitor perceptions: rail policy and sustainable transport at the resort destination

This paper examines the implications for future railway policy for sustainable transport access at tourism destinations in the South West of England, drawing on a case study of the St Ives Bay Line in Cornwall. The paper considers the diversity of passenger behaviour and attitudes amongst tourist and leisure visitors. It sets the research findings in the context of future railway policy, specifically Community Rail Development and the Greater Western Franchise for South West England. In doing so it questions whether current transport policies are sufficient in scope to address the complexities of visitor travel on such branch lines.