An update on our Cornwall operations

An update on our Cornwall operations

We've today shared our proposal to withdraw all First Bus services in Cornwall from 14 February 2026.

Our Cornwall business has faced ongoing financial challenges for some time. These have intensified recently due to above inflation operating costs, lower passenger numbers and increased competition from other operators. Unfortunately, this has made the business unviable.

After an extensive review and the exhaustion of all viable alternatives, we are announcing our intention to close our entire operation in Cornwall, with the final day of service scheduled for Saturday, 14 February 2026.

This was an extremely difficult decision, which was made after all other options were exhausted. We understand this news will be deeply disappointing for our customers and colleagues, and we want to thank everyone who has travelled with us over the years.

What does this mean for you?

Until the proposed closure date on 14th February, we remain fully committed to maintaining normal service levels for our customers across our current network in Cornwall. We are also working with Cornwall Council and other local operators to ensure a smooth transition.

Need more information?

  • We’ll continue to share updates as the process progresses. Please continue to check our website for the latest information, or contact our customer service team.
  • Our FAQs can be found below.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have announced proposals to withdraw all services in Cornwall on 14 February 2026.
We understand this news will raise questions for our customers and communities, and we want to be transparent about what’s happening and what this means for you.

Why has First Bus taken this decision?

  • Our Cornwall business has faced ongoing financial challenges for some time. These have intensified recently due to above inflation operating costs, lower passenger numbers and increased competition from other operators. Unfortunately, this has made the business unviable.

What will happen to my local route?

  • We hope that, given the presence of other bus operators in Cornwall, many customers will still have access to local services.
  • We’re working closely with Cornwall Council to make sure there’s a smooth transition wherever possible.

When will services end?

  • All First Bus services in Cornwall will continue to operate as normal until Saturday 14th February 2026. This will be the last day of operation.

What does this mean for customers?

  • We’re working closely with Cornwall Council and Transport for Cornwall to assess how services can continue in future.

What will happen to my season ticket?

How many depots will close?

  • We plan to withdraw from all five depots in Cornwall: Camborne, Falmouth, Penzance, Summercourt, and Truro.

Is there any chance this won’t happen?

  • We’ve explored every possible alternative, but unfortunately, we do not see any other viable option.
  • We’re deeply saddened to be proposing a full withdrawal from Cornwall, but after thorough review, no sustainable alternative remains.

What’s happening with open-top services?

  • Earlier this year, we replaced open-top buses with covered double-deckers. A fall in tourism, lower demand, and higher costs made open-top services commercially unviable.
  • These services will be withdrawn along with the rest of the Cornwall network on 14 February 2026.

Need more information?

We’ll continue to share updates as the process progresses. Please check back here for the latest information, or contact our customer service team