Open-top buses scrapped between Newquay and Padstow

First Bus says they are scrapping their open-top buses between Newquay and Padstow because of a reduction in Cornish tourism, falling demand, and rising costs.

The company has confirmed they will be replaced with standard double-deckers.

A spokesperson for First Bus in Cornwall told Radio Newquay:

“This year we will be removing open top buses from our network in Cornwall and instead replacing them with covered double deckers. This means the buses will be able to run in all weathers, as well as continuing to serve the local communities who also use them in Cornwall."

The company acknowledges that the open top buses are well loved and that it wasn’t an easy decision, but they "can’t afford to retain more vehicles than needed if the revenue doesn’t cover their costs."

They added that "Unfortunately, a significant reduction in Cornish tourism last year, added to falling passenger demand and rising costs, has made running these open top buses commercially unviable.

“We are committed to providing bus and coach services to residents and visitors in Cornwall and we are proud of our longstanding history in the county. Plans for our bi-annual network change in April are currently being finalised with Cornwall Council, and we will announce details of all routes in March.”