First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)

[MB162435]

I note no reference to the routes / journeys that will be operated by GCB. Not particularly helpful. Also the 2xx routes are included.

Yeah same, even tho the current book shows OTS services and even has the PCB 11/11A service from Padstow to Bodmin, and onwards to Plymouth which conveniently has vanished from the new book map

Given that the new timetable will for the summer mainly be aimed at tourists, it would be useful for them to see all operators services, so they can explore everywhere and know the times connections and services to see how much they can do per day. During their visit they will use GCB, Kernow and various others, so no one will miss out on the tourist pound, so it is a shame they have forgotten everyone else

Looks like Kernow is keeping their options open by saying the new timetable is valid until further notice, so it's likely further changes will be coming, did hear from a Falmouth driver that the 400 open top service is set to return this year, so expect May time and when the college services disappear in July will see timetables further tweaked

 

[83G/84D]

I note no reference to the routes / journeys that will be operated by GCB. Not particularly helpful. Also the 2xx routes are included.

To be fair First never used to publicise other operators services, they were shown in a separate book produced by the council. At least it appears we know what the new route branding is now, wonder what vehicles will be painted to operate the service?

 

[richw]

We’ve already been told there will be at least one further timetable enhancement in May.

 

[richw]

To be fair First never used to publicise other operators services, they were shown in a separate book produced by the council. At least it appears we know what the new route branding is now, wonder what vehicles will be painted to operate the service?

That brand Will suit any longer distance express runs.
May changes are still confidential as are future plans that haven’t been shared with staff, but a personal thought would be an expectation of further usage of that brand. Maybe the 2020 vision includes some longer express runs?

 

[matt_splat]

X19 padstow to truro looks good

 

[MB162435]

That brand Will suit any longer distance express runs.
May changes are still confidential as are future plans that haven’t been shared with staff, but a personal thought would be an expectation of further usage of that brand. Maybe the 2020 vision includes some longer express runs?

Maybe the return of the X18, although that would only compete mainly with Kernow's own Tinner services not much with GCB's services

 

[Andyh82]

How can they justify keeping the day ticket prices the same for such a thinned out network?

The comparison between the current map and the new maps is stark, massive areas unserved in the middle of the county.

The day ticket price for both FK and GC is going to be eye watering.

 

[richw]

How can they justify keeping the day ticket prices the same for such a thinned out network?

Barring the few bude services cut, there is still the same distance travelable for the majority Bodmin/ padstow to lands end in the same amount of time in the day

 

[83G/84D]

Maybe the return of the X18, although that would only compete mainly with Kernow's own Tinner services not much with GCB's services

Maybe a return for the X1 Plymouth - Penzance?!!

 

[richw]

Maybe a return for the X1 Plymouth - Penzance?!!

sounds good and would be fitting of the new brand

 

[TechDan2002]

Maybe a return for the X1 Plymouth - Penzance?!!

Jesus how long did that route take end to end and where did it stop?

 

[richw]

Yeah same, even tho the current book shows OTS services and even has the PCB 11/11A service from Padstow to Bodmin, and onwards to Plymouth which conveniently has vanished from the new book map

Given that the new timetable will for the summer mainly be aimed at tourists, it would be useful for them to see all operators services, so they can explore everywhere and know the times connections and services to see how much they can do per day. During their visit they will use GCB, Kernow and various others, so no one will miss out on the tourist pound, so it is a shame they have forgotten everyone else

Looks like Kernow is keeping their options open by saying the new timetable is valid until further notice, so it's likely further changes will be coming, did hear from a Falmouth driver that the 400 open top service is set to return this year, so expect May time and when the college services disappear in July will see timetables further tweaked

I’ve made enquiries from your post (and others similar) and found out the following information:

1. We don’t actually know what PCB are operating - we are told they are still
Finalising registration changes

2. We offered to note in the book where PCB are running contracted journeys on our commercial routes but they didn’t confirm before the book had to go to print.

3. Cornwall Council are responsible for any information provision that covers all
Operators, not the commercial operator and certainly not at the commercial operator’s expense - indeed the CC all Operator app was promised over a year ago but hasn’t materialised.

 

[Busaholic]

I wonder whether an all-operator (or both main operators) Cornwall bus ticket is being planned for May. Put it this way, if Cornwall Council aren't working toward this then what the **** use of the eye-watering amounts of dosh they're being granted are they planning?

 

[richw]

I wonder whether an all-operator (or both main operators) Cornwall bus ticket is being planned for May. Put it this way, if Cornwall Council aren't working toward this then what the **** use of the eye-watering amounts of dosh they're being granted are they planning?

Cllr Geoff Brown and Glyn Williams at CC are the main men, maybe make an email enquiry and share any findings?

Maybe we should all bombard them with queries!

And then if (when) The service is a shambles in April onwards (late running, non running), include GCB Md, bus users UK and the traffic commissioner too!

 

[MB162435]

I’ve made enquiries from your post (and others similar) and found out the following information:

1. We don’t actually know what PCB are operating - we are told they are still
Finalising registration changes

2. We offered to note in the book where PCB are running contracted journeys on our commercial routes but they didn’t confirm before the book had to go to print.

3. Cornwall Council are responsible for any information provision that covers all
Operators, not the commercial operator and certainly not at the commercial operator’s expense - indeed the CC all Operator app was promised over a year ago but hasn’t materialised.

Thanks for finding out on as much info as you could, maybe in the next book the tender routes will be shown and hopefully GCB will shown Kernow's routes in their timetables once everything is announced, to give locals and tourists alike what routes are available for those who don't follow bus news like we do

If CC intentions from the latest tender is to get more people onto the buses, which we all support, they need to start engaging with everyone like they did after the announcement on GCB's win, at least every one will know whether to support it or not

 

[MB162435]

Maybe a return for the X1 Plymouth - Penzance?!!

Would certainly be handy when the trains are playing up like they sometimes do, and those who can't get to the station easily

 

[TechDan2002]

Would certainly be handy when the trains are playing up like they sometimes do, and those who can't get to the station easily

And Truro College students with College bus passes!

 

[Accelerator59]

Kernow have now officially released the new timetables from the 29th March

Looks like the Summer timetable book will be extended from March 29th to the normal end date sometime in September

https://www.firstgroup.com/cornwall/routes-and-maps/bus-guides/bus-times-29-march

I noticed the 47 will only terminate at St. Day from the 29th. I sincerely hope there’s still going to be a service for the Carharrack residents. A lot of people will be annoyed if there isn’t. It’s bad enough there’s no more evening services.

 

[MB162435]

I noticed the 47 will only terminate at St. Day from the 29th. I sincerely hope there’s still going to be a service for the Carharrack residents. A lot of people will be annoyed if there isn’t. It’s bad enough there’s no more evening services.

Carharrack will have GCB's 47 service from the 29th, with the evening services returning

 

[MB162435]

And Truro College students with College bus passes!

Indeed, apparently no time restrictions now either, wished there was none back when I was at college, would of made life so much easier

 

[Accelerator59]

Carharrack will have GCB's 47 service from the 29th, with the evening services returning

Ah ok. Thanks for that. Doesn’t bother me so much as I no longer use the buses due to driving now, but just thinking about other residents and the school kids that live in Trevarth. Will there be a new route?

 

[TechDan2002]

Carharrack will have GCB's 47 service from the 29th, with the evening services returning

I wonder if there will be an agreement to accept Truro College passes on that route. Students living in Carharrack were told to use the 47 at the start of the college year when they received their passes.

 

[Goldfish62]

I wonder whether an all-operator (or both main operators) Cornwall bus ticket is being planned for May. Put it this way, if Cornwall Council aren't working toward this then what the **** use of the eye-watering amounts of dosh they're being granted are they planning?

It's got all the signs of a disaster. Don't let councillors run buses!

 

[richw]

I wonder if there will be an agreement to accept Truro College passes on that route. Students living in Carharrack were told to use the 47 at the start of the college year when they received their passes.

GA are obliged to accept First tickets on routes where First are The commercial operator and they run a few journeys (evenings etc)
I wonder if the obligation stretches to tickets/ passes bought prior to the contract changes too such as college passes and season tickets

 

[TechDan2002]

Burgundy on urban Gemini 37013 on T1 this morning.

 

[TechDan2002]

GA are obliged to accept First tickets on routes where First are The commercial operator and they run a few journeys (evenings etc)
I wonder if the obligation stretches to tickets/ passes bought prior to the contract changes too such as college passes and season tickets

As far as I’m aware the Truro College contract is a private contract between the college and First Kernow so i’d imagine it’ll probably be between the college and GCB whether TC passes are accepted.

 

[83G/84D]

Jesus how long did that route take end to end and where did it stop?

I will post a scan of an old timetable later if I can.

 

[richw]

As far as I’m aware the Truro College contract is a private contract between the college and First Kernow so i’d imagine it’ll probably be between the college and GCB whether TC passes are accepted.

It might also depend on T&Cs for students when they took it out. They’re designed for use on the college buses and if it’s a goodwill thing letting them on service buses. If it’s specifically for service buses it’s effectively a Season ticket for the service buses, and that changes things

 

[TechDan2002]

37011 would appear to have emerged into service on Tinner duties today

 

[TechDan2002]

It might also depend on T&Cs for students when they took it out. They’re designed for use on the college buses and if it’s a goodwill thing letting them on service buses. If it’s specifically for service buses it’s effectively a Season ticket for the service buses, and that changes things

This was the form I filled out last summer for my pass:

https://www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/downloads/BUS_PASS_FORM_Autumn_2019-20.doc