| First Bus pulling out of Cornwall, 14.2.2026 Posted by grahame at 12:32, 21st November 2025 |     |
Posting in "The Rumour Mill" until I'm sure this is in the public realm, at which point I will move the thread
Dear /Redacted/
I am writing to inform you of an important and difficult decision regarding the future of our operations in Kernow. After an extensive review and the exhaustion of all viable alternatives, First Bus has announced its intention to close its entire operation in the county, with the final day of service scheduled for Saturday 14 February 2026.
This decision has not been taken lightly. Our Kernow operation has faced sustained financial challenges over a prolonged period, which have intensified in recent years due to rising operating costs and increased competition from other providers. Despite implementing a number of transformation initiatives aimed at growing passenger numbers and reducing costs, the business has continued to make significant losses and is no longer financially viable.
As part of this proposal, First Bus intends to withdraw from all five of its depots in Camborne, Falmouth, Penzance, Summercourt and Truro. Regrettably, this places 275 roles at risk, and we are working closely with all affected colleagues to provide support and explore alternative employment opportunities both within First Bus and across our parent company, FirstGroup.
Until the proposed closure date, we remain fully committed to maintaining normal service levels for passengers across our current network in the county. We are also working collaboratively with Cornwall Council and through the Council, with other local operators to ensure a smooth and well-managed transition, minimising disruption to local communities and passengers who depend on these services.
These plans do not in any way detract from the commitment of our colleagues, who have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible service to local communities in Cornwall. Supporting our people through this process is now our top priority.
We recognise the significance of this decision for the communities and stakeholders we serve, and we are committed to maintaining open communication throughout this process. Further details regarding the proposals and next steps will be shared in the coming weeks as plans progress.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing partnership and support over many years. Should you wish to discuss this matter further, I would be happy to meet with you.
Yours sincerely
Simon
I am writing to inform you of an important and difficult decision regarding the future of our operations in Kernow. After an extensive review and the exhaustion of all viable alternatives, First Bus has announced its intention to close its entire operation in the county, with the final day of service scheduled for Saturday 14 February 2026.
This decision has not been taken lightly. Our Kernow operation has faced sustained financial challenges over a prolonged period, which have intensified in recent years due to rising operating costs and increased competition from other providers. Despite implementing a number of transformation initiatives aimed at growing passenger numbers and reducing costs, the business has continued to make significant losses and is no longer financially viable.
As part of this proposal, First Bus intends to withdraw from all five of its depots in Camborne, Falmouth, Penzance, Summercourt and Truro. Regrettably, this places 275 roles at risk, and we are working closely with all affected colleagues to provide support and explore alternative employment opportunities both within First Bus and across our parent company, FirstGroup.
Until the proposed closure date, we remain fully committed to maintaining normal service levels for passengers across our current network in the county. We are also working collaboratively with Cornwall Council and through the Council, with other local operators to ensure a smooth and well-managed transition, minimising disruption to local communities and passengers who depend on these services.
These plans do not in any way detract from the commitment of our colleagues, who have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible service to local communities in Cornwall. Supporting our people through this process is now our top priority.
We recognise the significance of this decision for the communities and stakeholders we serve, and we are committed to maintaining open communication throughout this process. Further details regarding the proposals and next steps will be shared in the coming weeks as plans progress.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing partnership and support over many years. Should you wish to discuss this matter further, I would be happy to meet with you.
Yours sincerely
Simon
| Re: First Bus pulling out of Cornwall, 14.2.2026 Posted by ellendune at 14:38, 21st November 2025 | |
It is definitely public https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62l47g2mj1o
| Re: First Bus pulling out of Cornwall, 14.2.2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:48, 21st November 2025 | |
An update to their article, from the BBC:
Bus firm steps in as First Bus plans to leave
Bus operator Go Cornwall has said it will step in to offer bus services after First Bus announced plans to withdraw all its services due to rising costs and falling passenger numbers.
Following its announcement Go Cornwall said it will offer alternative or amended services for the routes First Bus will axe next year to "keep Cornwall connected."
Richard Stevens, the managing director of Go Cornwall Bus said: "We understand how concerning this news will be for residents who rely on these routes every day. "Our message today is simple and clear: no community will be left unserved."
Bus operator Go Cornwall has said it will step in to offer bus services after First Bus announced plans to withdraw all its services due to rising costs and falling passenger numbers.
Following its announcement Go Cornwall said it will offer alternative or amended services for the routes First Bus will axe next year to "keep Cornwall connected."
Richard Stevens, the managing director of Go Cornwall Bus said: "We understand how concerning this news will be for residents who rely on these routes every day. "Our message today is simple and clear: no community will be left unserved."
| Re: First Bus pulling out of Cornwall, 14.2.2026 Posted by FarWestJohn at 18:20, 21st November 2025 | |
Good riddance. Brilliant staff and a lousy company.
| Re: First Bus pulling out of Cornwall, 14.2.2026 Posted by grahame at 19:40, 21st November 2025 | |
https://www.plymouthbus.co.uk/go-cornwall-bus-update
Go Cornwall Bus Update
Today Fri 21st Nov 2025
Go Cornwall Bus has announced plans to ensure continued bus connectivity across Cornwall, following confirmation that First South West will end all local bus operations in the county after 14 February 2026.
“We understand how concerning this news will be for residents who rely on these routes every day,” said Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Go Cornwall Bus. “Our message today is simple and clear: no community will be left unserved.”
From 15 February 2026, First South West will no longer operate the following routes in Cornwall: M6, T1, T2, U1, U2, U4, 1, 1A, 17, 17A, 24, 27, 29 and 87.
Richard continued: “We want people to know that any area currently served by these routes will continue to have access to bus services. While the network will not be replicated like-for-like, we will ensure alternative or amended services are in place. Our priority is to keep Cornwall connected.”
Go Cornwall Bus is already working closely with Cornwall Council to design a revised network that maintains strong accessibility for communities, major employment sites, education, health and key destinations across the county.
Today Fri 21st Nov 2025
Go Cornwall Bus has announced plans to ensure continued bus connectivity across Cornwall, following confirmation that First South West will end all local bus operations in the county after 14 February 2026.
“We understand how concerning this news will be for residents who rely on these routes every day,” said Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Go Cornwall Bus. “Our message today is simple and clear: no community will be left unserved.”
From 15 February 2026, First South West will no longer operate the following routes in Cornwall: M6, T1, T2, U1, U2, U4, 1, 1A, 17, 17A, 24, 27, 29 and 87.
Richard continued: “We want people to know that any area currently served by these routes will continue to have access to bus services. While the network will not be replicated like-for-like, we will ensure alternative or amended services are in place. Our priority is to keep Cornwall connected.”
Go Cornwall Bus is already working closely with Cornwall Council to design a revised network that maintains strong accessibility for communities, major employment sites, education, health and key destinations across the county.
| Re: First Bus pulling out of Cornwall, 14.2.2026 Posted by JayMac at 03:14, 22nd November 2025 | |
What of the rest of First South West? I can't see the Somerset operation standing on its own two feet.
Will the Somerset operation be folded into First West of England, or maybe First Hampshire & Dorset.
| Re: First Bus pulling out of Cornwall, 14.2.2026 Posted by grahame at 06:47, 22nd November 2025 | |
What of the rest of First South West? I can't see the Somerset operation standing on its own two feet.
Will the Somerset operation be folded into First West of England, or maybe First Hampshire & Dorset.
Will the Somerset operation be folded into First West of England, or maybe First Hampshire & Dorset.
I am struck by the contrast between the First approach which is leading on "we must make a profit" and the GoAhead approach of "We must serve all the communities". Much of that can be explained by the point we are at in the business cycle - but can all of it be explained in that way?
Looking at precedents, First Bus pulled out of Melksham in 2020 - just after the start of covid - and we were (I admit) very concerned indeed at the time. However, we did some community input - "Option 24/7" to request saving of evening and Sunday services; looking back, not sure how much of an effect we had and how much they would have been saved anyway, but I note these are areas of significant recent enhancement with now-single operator on most Melksham flows.
A further look - at First looking to make a profit as a primary goal rather than serving the community and I consider whether there are lessons to be drawn with out local train service, which has moved to a steadily less reliable service in recent years, perhaps because First are overstretching their resources in order to make more profit / have a contract with WECA which whilst the services are welcome they have been short of resources to make it as reliable as it should be. I am asking, not drawing any conclusions here.
Edit to add
Interesting questions and answers from social media
Is there a correlation between First Great Western losing its rail franchise next year and First bus pulling out from Cornwall.
No. They've pulled out of other places too. Southampton was Feb 2023.
Original here getting lots of likes:
We don't need the huge double deckers or even the big single buses all over Cornwall. The smaller buses would be much more suitable. Timetables are ridiculous. The larger buses should only run for Schools, Colleges, Universities eg Falmouth Truro. Having smaller buses would mean mean easier accessibility to smaller villages etc that really need them. And obviously during summertime timetables for visitors need to changed for holiday makers. The whole system needs a complete overhaul. Some supermarkets used to run free transport does this happen now? Taxi prices are very high in and around Truro not sure about elsewhere? So those living in remote areas are going to loose out.
Provision on the vehicles need to be better for disabled, elderly and Mums with pushchairs as well.
Provision on the vehicles need to be better for disabled, elderly and Mums with pushchairs as well.
you have NO IDEA if the economics of bus operation
| Re: First Bus pulling out of Cornwall, 14.2.2026 Posted by GBM at 11:42, 22nd November 2025 | |
| Re: First Bus pulling out of Cornwall, 14.2.2026 Posted by GBM at 11:46, 22nd November 2025 | |
Mid evening, a few drivers used to change their scheduled decker for the rest of the evening/night for a smaller single deck.
Invariably told off the next day, with the reason "The Council are paying for a decker, so they want to see one".
Word didn't seem to get back to the Council about paying too much for a larger than required vehicle.
Depot manager would mostly turn a blind eye to the change over.
