First Bus to withdraw all Cornwall services in 2026

Friday, 21 November 2025 14:17

First Bus has announced it will end all of its operations in Cornwall in February 2026, citing rising costs, falling passenger numbers and increased competition.

The company currently runs 14 routes, employs around 275 staff and operates a fleet of 85 buses from five depots, including Summercourt.

The operator confirmed that its final day of service will be Saturday 14 February 2026, after what it described as “ongoing financial challenges” that had made the business “unviable”.

In a statement, First Bus said:
"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."

It added:
"After an extensive review and the exhaustion of all viable alternatives, we are announcing our intention to close our entire operation in Cornwall… This was an extremely difficult decision… We understand this news will be deeply disappointing for our customers and colleagues."

The company said it remains “fully committed” to maintaining normal service levels until February 2026 and is working with Cornwall Council and other operators to ensure a smooth handover. Season ticket holders with passes extending beyond the closure date will receive refunds.

Council Responds to ‘Shock’ Announcement

Cornwall Council said it was surprised by the decision and is now working to secure replacement operators.

A spokesperson said:
"This news has come as a shock, and we know it will cause real worry for the passengers who depend on these services every day, as well as for First employees in Cornwall."

They added:
"Our bus network continues to face major challenges, and some routes have only survived thanks to targeted extra funding… Our focus now is on finding providers who can take these routes on. We will keep communities informed and provide a further update before Christmas."

Go Cornwall Bus Says ‘No Community Will Be Left Unserved’

Go Cornwall Bus has confirmed it is preparing to expand its network to cover areas affected by First’s withdrawal.

Richard Stevens, 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."

From 15 February 2026, First will no longer operate the following Cornwall routes: M6, T1, T2, U1, U2, U4, 1, 1A, 17, 17A, 24, 27, 29 and 87.

Stevens said alternative or amended services will be introduced rather than a like-for-like network:
"We want people to know that any area currently served by these routes will continue to have access to bus services… Our priority is to keep Cornwall connected."

Go Cornwall Bus and its parent company, Go-Ahead, say they have experience stepping in when other operators withdraw, citing similar transitions in Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton and High Wycombe.

Stevens 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 details of the revised network will be announced once planning work with Cornwall Council is complete.