I didn't say it was axed, I said they are providing minimal so they didn't need it close the route.
I could argue that the DfT favour some routes over others by giving some higher service level commitments. It depends on your definition of favouring, I would argue that it is still favouring but justified even if you would say it is favouring because there is higher demand.
Can we just agree that whether they favour or not depends of the person's definition of favouring?
No - because not at any point have you shown that the DfT, GWR, or anyone else is 'favouring' any particular route in any way, shape or form. No matter how many times people write copyrighted baseless claims about gold-plating or anything else.
Clarence Yard - someone with inside knowledge - has explained over and over how the current shape of services in Cornwall was arrived at. As the result of a detailed and comprehensive assessment of passenger numbers and travel patterns, options for changes to services and what they would cost, and what provides the most benefits at an affordable price.
Not because someone in an office at GWR or the DfT 'favours' the Cotswold Line, or Bristol, or South Wales, or Cheltenham over the West Country or Cornwall.
And should any lengthening of GW IETs take place in the future, there are plenty of places such trains are more likely to be put to work than in Cornwall.
