First Bus in Cornwall announces Summer network changes

For the first time in Cornwall, we are using an AI-based scheduling system called Prospective to improve the reliability of timetables and shift patterns, using AI to predict traffic conditions and peak running times to help ensure services run on time.

To improve running times and help to minimise delays, some routes will be changed from ‘through routes’, to a ‘hub and spoke’ model, meaning buses will terminate at Truro Bus Station rather than continue as one long journey. This will allow passengers to connect to onward journeys and will reduce the impact of traffic delays having a knock-on effect across the network.

Other changes, include the cessation of the Atlantic Coaster, due to low demand for the service, unfortunately making it commercially unviable. Due to low passenger numbers north of Sennen Cove, the Land's End Coaster will continue to operate only on its current winter route. Alternative services for customers going to the St Ives Holiday Camp are the 17A service, while passengers can go Penzance and onwards to St Ives using the 17/17A, and customers at Marazion can use the U4. 

Due to low passenger usage, the T3 (previously the Tinner) service will be discontinued between Truro and Newquay. Additional services (87 service) will run to Truro to compensate for the discontinuation of T3.

Following First Bus’s rebranding in December 2024, some of our services are being renamed. The Land's End Coaster will now be Service 1 and 1A, the Mousehole Service will now be Service M6. The Tinners services will be known by numerical designations  - T1 and T2.

Terrance James, Head of Network for First Bus in Cornwall, said:

“We’ve worked hard to design these network changes to ensure we’re running a more efficient service, while meeting areas of demand for our passengers. We’re using the latest AI technology to improve our services, and we’re pleased to bring this to Cornwall, following its successful application across many other parts of the UK.

“Where we have had to make difficult decisions on some routes and reduced or ceased services based on low customer use, we’ve worked hard to ensure there are alternative services, links to other forms of transport, or these are covered by other operators.”

First Bus Cornwall changes in full

• 27 Service: Returning between Truro and St. Austell at a 60-minute frequency. 
• 29 Service: Operating at a 60-minute frequency. 
• 24 Service: Running on a 90-minute frequency, with peak times every 60 minutes. 
• Land's End Coaster: This service will now operate only on its winter routing, with the summer loop removed.
• Atlantic Coaster & T2A Services: The routes will not operate.
• T3 Service: Discontinued due to low passenger usage between Truro and Newquay. 
• T1 and T2 Services: Additional services will run to Truro to compensate for the discontinuation of T3. The joint T1/T2 section will maintain a 15-minute frequency. 
• U1/U1A to 87 Service: The service from Truro to Newquay, now labelled as Service 87, will operate via St. Agnes with an increased 40-minute frequency.
• Falmouth to Truro: The existing U1 service remains on a 30-minute frequency. In addition, the new U1 “short” service will combine with it to provide a 15-minute frequency between Falmouth and the Penryn campus. 
• U3 Service: The express service for students will be replaced by a new “short” service that terminates at the campus via Penryn. This change maintains a 15-minute frequency.
• U4 Service: Now serves Praa Sands on all routes (except during some school trips) with a revised frequency of every 65 minutes. 
• CAT This service will not return in the summer, instead using capacity on the Mousehole service.  
• U2 and Mousehole Services: Minor reliability improvements are being implemented. 
• Crows an Wra and St Buryan: A summer bus service will continue in these areas on the 1/1A with the existing winter routing.  
• Route 17A: Rerouted to serve the Saint Ives Holiday Camp at Lelant Downs. 

 Renaming of services:

• The Land's End Coaster will now be referred to as Service 1 and 1A. 

• The Mousehole Service will now be M6. 
• The Tinners services will revert to numerical designations (T1 and T2).

Full timetable details will shortly be available on the First Bus in Cornwall website, and passenger are advised to check details before travelling ahead of the new services coming into effect on April 20^th.

Details of all bus network changes across Transport for Cornwall can be found here: Transport for Cornwall - Bus tickets, timetables & more