First pulling out of Cornwall

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?

• Season tickets and passes that continue beyond 15th February 2026 will be refunded. Please contact our customer service team for refunds and further information.

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

It has to be said that this isnt really a suprise to anyone. Clearly Go Cornwall be be looking to take on as much of the network as possible. It will be interesting to see if Stagecoach make any moves in that direction as well.

Having said all that, my thoughts are with the staff, who all face an uncertain future right now.

© Fabio Tanniguchi (creative commons)

UPDATE

Go Cornwall Bus have made an announcement:

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.

Go-Ahead, the parent company of Go Cornwall Bus, brings extensive experience delivering continuity when other operators withdraw. In Bournemouth and Poole, Morebus ensured seamless coverage following the collapse of Yellow Buses. In Southampton, Bluestar stepped in when First Bus withdrew from the city. Most recently,

Carousel Buses confirmed it would maintain coverage across High Wycombe when Arriva proposed closing its depots.

“This track record means our teams are well prepared to manage these transitions swiftly and responsibly,” Richard added. “Cornwall is our home, and we are committed to protecting the bus services that so many people rely on. The shape of the network may evolve, but the lifeline connections for our communities will remain.”

Further information on the future network will be provided once detailed planning is complete and discussions with Cornwall Council have concluded.

UPDATE