Go Cornwall Bus

[GBM]

Don't forget that First Kernow were the pits (so it was said), and many were jumping for joy at having a decent operator take over.
It is possible TfC (or whoever you wish to call them) may improve services over time, as they had no time to organise timetables, vehicles and staff at such short notice.

 

[RPI]

Don't forget that First Kernow were the pits (so it was said), and many were jumping for joy at having a decent operator take over.
It is possible TfC (or whoever you wish to call them) may improve services over time, as they had no time to organise timetables, vehicles and staff at such short notice.

Whilst not perfect, they were far from being "the pits"

 

[Goldfish62]

Don't forget that First Kernow were the pits (so it was said), and many were jumping for joy at having a decent operator take over.

Can you point to where that was said?

It is possible TfC (or whoever you wish to call them) may improve services over time, as they had no time to organise timetables, vehicles and staff at such short notice.

TfC is the partnership between the the council, bus operators and GWR.

Not really clear what you're getting at here. Are you suggesting that not providing timetables for a commercial service that GCB have just reintroduced or not providing the correct route publicity for a route they've run since February can be excused by First pulling out of Cornwall.

Like with governments blaming the previous administration there comes a time where such excuses no longer hold water and we're well past that in respect of such basic fundamentals. If a company can't even publish timetables for its own new commercial service that's beyond poor in any circumstances.

 

[berneyarms]

Just to point out that the pdf timetables for the 7/7a were actually on the website at the weekend.

They just weren’t in the journey planner - I’m not excusing that but it may have been a fairly late decision to run them based on having the resources to do it.

 

[Goldfish62]

Just to point out that the pdf timetables for the 7/7a were actually on the website at the weekend.

They just weren’t in the journey planner - I’m not excusing that but it may have been a fairly late decision to run them based on having the resources to do it.

I haven't been able to find them anywhere, not on the website or the app. Clicking on the link in the website news item just took me to PDF route headers without any timetable. And today the old route 7 Sennen Cove - St Just is still showing as running, despite it being withdrawn without notice in April.

7 - St Ives - Lands End | Transport for Cornwall https://share.google/4XlO3Ne37NzmVDK6l

7, 7A​

St Ives - Lands End
Zennor - St Just

Toggle expansion of sidebar	Service7	Service7	Service7
St Just, Bus Station	09:10	11:40	14:10
St Just, Lands End Airport	09:17	11:47	14:17
Sennen, Cove	09:32	12:02	14:32

Deciding whether to run the routes is not optional. Once they're registered with six weeks notice the operator is committed to operating them as per the registered timetable. In any event they did run according to Bustimes.

 

[berneyarms]

The timetable is linked to towards the bottom of the news page for the return of the 7 and 7a where it says “Check the timetable”.

Service 7 Returns

Service 7 resumes on Saturday 23rd May, running on the first weekend and the second weekend of Cornwall half-term

www.transportforcornwall.co.uk

Here is the timetable link:

https://images-transportforcornwall.passenger-website.com/downloads/Service%207_May.pdf

The dates of operation for the timetables are specified on the dark navy bar above each table.

 

[Goldfish62]

The timetable is linked to towards the bottom of the news page for the return of the 7 and 7a where it says “Check the timetable”.

Service 7 Returns

Service 7 resumes on Saturday 23rd May, running on the first weekend and the second weekend of Cornwall half-term

www.transportforcornwall.co.uk

Here is the timetable link:

https://images-transportforcornwall.passenger-website.com/downloads/Service%207_May.pdf

The dates of operation for the timetables are specified on the dark navy bar above each table.

Thanks. It only shows on my PC, not mobile, where only the route headers are shown.

It would be so much easier all round if it was published in the same manner as all their other timetables rather than hiding it in a news item where it's apparent that not all devices can open it.

 

[berneyarms]

Thanks. It only shows on my PC, not mobile, where only the route headers are shown.

It would be so much easier all round if it was published in the same manner as all their other timetables rather than hiding it in a news item where it's apparent that not all devices can open it.

It’s working perfectly on my mobile so it sounds like you have a phone issue to me.

 

[YorkRailFan]

It’s working perfectly on my mobile so it sounds like you have a phone issue to me.

Also not showing on my mobile.

 

[Goldfish62]

It’s working perfectly on my mobile so it sounds like you have a phone issue to me.

I don't have any phone issues. I practically run my life on it.

 

[embers25]

So does it come back again in July?

 

[Goldfish62]

So does it come back again in July?

I assume so, but there's no mention in the news item on the website.

Service 7 Returns - Transport for Cornwall https://share.google/DiBFfVLnD7WvCImQl

One of Cornwall’s most breathtaking bus routes is back. Service 7 resumes on Saturday 23rd May, running on the first weekend and the second weekend of Cornwall half-term, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the coastline while we do the driving.​

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 May 2026 ==

Bude Park & Ride has been registered for the summer holiday period:

PH0000135/422 – bustimes.org

bustimes.org

130 - Bude: Park & Ride to Park & Ride site via The Strand​

Registration numberPH0000135/422TypeNormal StoppingAuthorities

Variation history​

1. • Received19 May 26
   • Effective18 Jul 26
   • 
     
   • New Service for summer Mid Juky to Late AugustService to run in subsequent years over a similar period
     

 

[83G/84D]

Anyone have any idea when the electric buses start on Truro Park & Ride?

The buses are or were in Plymouth being prepared so launch day can't be far off.

 

[Andyh82]

Whilst not perfect, they were far from being "the pits"

It’s funny that all the people who used to post every day about any possible negative thing when First were in charge have now gone quiet.

If First had cut the St Ives buses we’d be getting daily updates about people being left behind. We would be getting daily updates on how nobody goes to Lands End anymore since they cut the open tops, whether that is true or not.

People also seem much more accepting of Plymouth Citybus fleetnames than they were with Doncaster and Norwich liveries.

 

[Goldfish62]

Anyone have any idea when the electric buses start on Truro Park & Ride?

The buses are or were in Plymouth being prepared so launch day can't be far off.

There's currently a public competition to name them.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 May 2026 ==

It’s funny that all the people who used to post every day about any possible negative thing when First were in charge have now gone quiet.

If First had cut the St Ives buses we’d be getting daily updates about people being left behind. We would be getting daily updates on how nobody goes to Lands End anymore since they cut the open tops, whether that is true or not.

People also seem much more accepting of Plymouth Citybus fleetnames than they were with Doncaster and Norwich liveries.

I'm surprised that this thread has been so quiet over the past few months. I've posted a few times to try to prompt discussion, often to no avail!

 

[farwest]

I obtained the 7 timetable and caught it last Saturday with quite a few others.
As an aside. I climbed the cliff face to get the 24 from Fowey main car park. I don't see what Mousehole has to complain about in comparison!!
Fowey might have a feeder bus but only during the day.

 

[Goldfish62]

I obtained the 7 timetable and caught it last Saturday with quite a few others.

Glad to hear it. Where did you get the timetable from?

 

[I'm here now]

There's currently a public competition to name them.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 May 2026 ==


I'm surprised that this thread has been so quiet over the past few months. I've posted a few times to try to prompt discussion, often to no avail!

Where’s the comp?

 

[Goldfish62]

Where’s the comp?

Here it is:

Help us name our new Park & Ride Buses | Let's Talk Cornwall https://share.google/Ld79gmsWhW3R8VABd

Help us name our new Park & Ride Buses​

Share Help us name our new Park & Ride Buses on Facebook Share Help us name our new Park & Ride Buses on Twitter Share Help us name our new Park & Ride Buses on LinkedinEmail Help us name our new Park & Ride Buses link

With electric buses shortly due to arrive at Truro Park and Ride, we want your help in naming our new fleet!
Covering around 3,500 miles each week from Monday to Saturday, the seven buses will become a familiar sight on Truro’s roads.
Helping to improve congestion and air quality, the service takes more than 850 cars away from the city's centre each day.
The buses, and the infrastructure needed to keep them on the road, have been funded by the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) 2 Fund and Cornwall Council.
They will replace the current ageing 10-year old park and ride fleet which has covered around 310,000 miles over the last decade.
Have you got a suggestion for a name for one of these electric buses?
If you do, please complete the 'name that bus' form below by Tuesday 9 June 2026 at the latest.
Some things to consider when making your entry:

• Try not to use to many words – there is limited space on each bus, and the shorter the name the easier it is to remember
• Please try to avoid copyrighted names or trademarks
• Please ensure the name you chose is family-friendly

You can enter more than once.
Then what happens?
Once all suggestions are in, we will select the winning names.
We would like all the new buses will have their name when the new buses go into service this summer.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

It’s funny that all the people who used to post every day about any possible negative thing when First were in charge have now gone quiet.

If First had cut the St Ives buses we’d be getting daily updates about people being left behind. We would be getting daily updates on how nobody goes to Lands End anymore since they cut the open tops, whether that is true or not.

People also seem much more accepting of Plymouth Citybus fleetnames than they were with Doncaster and Norwich liveries.

There's probably a few things at play...

Firstly, people were comparing First Kernow in their prime (2018/9) with the 2024/5 iteration and it wasn't good. You had a slew of modern vehicles and even the older vehicles were reasonably tidy though some of the Tridents were as rough as a badgers. Also, you had vehicles in a handful of dedicated liveries (Tinner, Unibus blue, Lizard, Mousehole), standard Kernow Green, and then either barbie or urban.

Fast forward to 2025 - no new vehicles aside from four elusive Sprinters and a mix of liveries. As for condition... the ex Norwich machines looked really tatty but the whole fleet was looking really quite unkempt. Then you add in the service delivery... Tinners were invariably an e400mmc as were the Uni blues though you'd see some older stuff on the U4, whilst the 17 might get a Tinner - such is the interconnected world of Kernow interworking etc. However, by 2025, you were seeing more missed journeys and anything being turfed out - a Solo on a Tinner wasn't unknown.

With Plymouth Citybus/Go Cornwall, there is no great gulf or decline from what we saw before. Not as good as Kernow 2019 but better than Kernow 2025; in a way, people grieved for what they lost. However, what they have from Go Ahead is arguably no worse save for the Mousehole changes and some of the other reductions. I've said before, when people were the apocalypse and a decent into hell from GCB, that they would be boringly competent. Not great or brilliant or awash with commercial initiatives - just stabilising the business and seeing how to develop it over time.

 

[Andyh82]

That’s probably it. For example First used to run open tops then they didn’t do it was a disgrace and there were endless complaining. GCB have never run open tops so it’s suddenly acceptable that there isn’t any.

Has fleet presentation improved since they gained Camborne depot or is it all still bashed up lower and corner panels held together with gaffer tape

 

[GBM]

It’s funny that all the people who used to post every day about any possible negative thing when First were in charge have now gone quiet.

If First had cut the St Ives buses we’d be getting daily updates about people being left behind. We would be getting daily updates on how nobody goes to Lands End anymore since they cut the open tops, whether that is true or not.

Exactly what I said!
I also wonder if, over the next year, more vehicles will be added to the fleet to take on runs that are currently dropped.

 

[Goldfish62]

Exactly what I said!
I also wonder if, over the next year, more vehicles will be added to the fleet to take on runs that are currently dropped.

Vehicle availability isn't the issue. There's plenty of old London stuff floating around for example.

It's that GSW don't want to increase frequencies. There's plenty of knowledgeable people in the industry, including elsewhere in the GoAhead Group, who will tell you that they think that GSW are being overly cautious.

I have heard contrary claims about whether GSW is going to enhance services over the six-week school holiday period. I guess we will find out any time now what it's to be.

 

[RPI]

Vehicle availability isn't the issue. There's plenty of old London stuff floating around for example.

It's that GSW don't want to increase frequencies. There's plenty of knowledgeable people in the industry, including elsewhere in the GoAhead Group, who will tell you that they think that GSW are being overly cautious.

I have heard contrary claims about whether GSW is going to enhance services over the six-week school holiday period. I guess we will find out any time now what it's to be.

Being too cautious and perhaps taking it for granted that they have a monopoly may well invite competition (hopefully), though I'll be honest, I don't know who would be brave enough to take that gamble.

 

[Snozzel]

Vehicle availability isn't the issue. There's plenty of old London stuff floating around for example.

It's that GSW don't want to increase frequencies. There's plenty of knowledgeable people in the industry, including elsewhere in the GoAhead Group, who will tell you that they think that GSW are being overly cautious.

I have heard contrary claims about whether GSW is going to enhance services over the six-week school holiday period. I guess we will find out any time now what it's to be.

I was told by a manager that the summer uplift was delayed from may bank hol to start of July to allow proper planning. This was in the context of discussing things that are not working rota or route wise.

 

[Goldfish62]

I was told by a manager that the summer uplift was delayed from may bank hol to start of July to allow proper planning. This was in the context of discussing things that are not working rota or route wise.

Thanks for the update. For the start of July that means services should be registered this week.

 

[YorkRailFan]

Being too cautious and perhaps taking it for granted that they have a monopoly may well invite competition (hopefully), though I'll be honest, I don't know who would be brave enough to take that gamble.

Stagecoach would be the most likely given their successes in bidding for college work last year. 2028 could bring quite the shake-up.

 

[Goldfish62]

Stagecoach would be the most likely given their successes in bidding for college work last year. 2028 could bring quite the shake-up.

Very much so.

 

[richard13]

Remember GSW can't do just what they want.

"Cornwall Council subsidies about half of all bus services in Cornwall and spends around £12m per year. The other half is run on a commercial basis"
(From Cornwall Council)

So they have to have agreement to change contracted services and permission to change commercial services where they may impact revenue of contract services, which is probably fairly often. However they can make agreed changes at short notice.

I have found that not only has this thread gone quiet, but the press are quiet too. Thus they must be providing an adequate and boringly reliable service - a phrase used as the aim of Great British Railways. So be boring this year and adjust and maybe more imaginative next year.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Being too cautious and perhaps taking it for granted that they have a monopoly may well invite competition (hopefully), though I'll be honest, I don't know who would be brave enough to take that gamble.

Being too cautious? Taking it for granted?

Perhaps they are assessing the network and the opportunities for network developments but remember, First South West lost a lot of money in the period after Covid. It may be wise to take a pragmatic view after taking on much of the First operations (and depot network).