Local bus operator First Kernow has confirmed initial plans for maintaining Cornwall’s bus network after the cessation of Western Greyhound’s services last week (Friday 13 March).
First Kernow, in partnership with Cornwall Council, has revised and improved its existing routes, including emergency timetables to incorporate many services previously operated by Western Greyhound. These were launched on Monday (16 March).
First said today that these initial arrangements will remain in place through to the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 25 May. First also confirmed that it will continue to accept Western Greyhound tickets on all its services across Cornwall.
Managing Director of First Kernow, Alex Carter, said: “Our first priority is to ensure that Cornwall bus customers continue to benefit from a good bus service. I’m pleased that following really positive talks with our Cornwall Council partners, we’ve put in place an enhanced timetable up to 25 May which covers those services previously operated by Western Greyhound. And of course, so that customers are not left out of pocket, we’ll continue to accept Western Greyhound tickets on all our services.
“In the meantime, we’re working closely with Cornwall Council about the long term future of bus services in the area. Indeed we’re already working up plans with council officials to run extra services during the summer period when demand for public transport is set to soar.”
Mr Carter also confirmed that the company is looking to recruit former Western Greyhound drivers. He said that First has already recruited 22, with a further 12 due to join this week.
“Given the enhanced level of service, we are actively recruiting drivers. We’d encourage Western Greyhound drivers interested in working for First Kernow to get in touch through our Training Manager on 07515 500312.”
To keep up to date with all the changes to First Kernow services, visit the website: www.firstgroup.com/cornwall or follow First on either Twitter www.twitter.com/firstcornwall or Facebook, www.facebook.com/firstcornwall.
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For more information contact: Alison Henderson, PR Manager (South Coast), First UK Bus, on 023 8071 4832/07730 195427 or email: [email protected].
- FirstGroup plc is the leading transport operator in the UK and North America with revenues of more than £6.7 billion a year. We employ approximately 117,000 employees and transport around 2.5 billion passengers a year.
- Our vision is to provide solutions for an increasingly congested world… keeping people moving and communities prospering.
- FirstGroup is one of Britain’s largest bus operators with around a fifth of bus services outside London. A fleet of some 6,400 buses carries approximately 1.6 million passengers a day in a huge number of communities including 40 of the UK's largest towns and cities. We operate Greyhound UK providing regular intercity coach services linking South Wales and Bristol Airport, and we also operate some US-style yellow school buses and have a fleet of coaches available for charter. We also operate the Aircoach network in Ireland.
- First Devon and Cornwall which also covers parts of Somerset, carries around 17 million passengers each year on a network of routes serving the two counties. It has depots and out-stations in: (Devon) Plymouth, Tavistock and Dartmouth (Cornwall) Penzance, Camborne, Falmouth, Truro, Eden, Helston and Torpoint. As a company, First is committed to delivering a safe, reliable and punctual service for its customers across Devon & Cornwall.