First bus to axe all Cornwall services
The bus company says the decision is due to ongoing financial challenges
Last updated 21st Nov 2025
First bus has announced that it plans to axe all its services in Cornwall from February 2026 due to financial pressures.
The bus company says the "difficult decision" is due a significant drop in passenger numbers, above-inflation costs and increased competition.
According to First Bus there has been a 21% year-on-year decline in passengers, alongside a 13% fall the previous year.
They added that changing travel patterns after the Covid 19 pandemic and a downturn in tourism have also contributed to the decision.
First Bus currently operates 14 services in Cornwall using 85 buses across five depots in Camborne, Falmouth, Penzance, Summercourt, and Truro.
Despite attempts to turn the business around, including changes to the network, closing smaller outstations like Helston, and partnering with Cornwall Council to attract more customers, the operator says the "heavily loss-making" business is no longer sustainable.
Simon Goff, Managing Director for First Bus South (which operates First Bus in Cornwall), said:
“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 colleagues and passengers, and we want to thank everyone who has travelled with us over the years.
“Our proposal to exit the market in Cornwall isn’t a process that we have entered into lightly. Above inflation costs, changing travel patterns and recently an increasingly competitive market all added extra pressure. We cannot afford to continue with such a heavily loss-making business.
“These plans do not in any way detract from the commitment of our colleagues, who have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible service to local communities in Cornwall. Now, supporting our people through this process is our priority. Wherever possible we are working to offer options or transfer colleagues to alternative employment.”
As a result 275 jobs are at risk and First Bus says its working with all colleagues affected, who are being supported to find other roles, wherever possible, within First Bus and its parent company FirstGroup.
Bus services by first bus will continue to operate in Cornwall up until and including 14th February 2026.
The operator says its working closely with Cornwall Council other transport providers to ensure a smooth transition and hopes as many routes as possible can be maintained.
A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said in a statement "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.
“Our bus network continues to face major challenges, and some routes have only survived thanks to targeted extra funding.
“This is a decision First has taken as a company, and 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.”