Hundreds of jobs and vital transport links across Cornwall are facing termination after First Bus announced it will cease all operations in the county.
Complete Withdrawal Announced
The major transport operator confirmed on Friday, November 21, 2025, that it will withdraw entirely from Cornwall, with the last services running on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The decision affects all five of the company's depots located in Camborne, Falmouth, Penzance, Summercourt and Truro.
First Bus South, which manages Cornish services, currently operates 14 routes using a fleet of 85 vehicles. The company confirmed that 275 positions are now under threat as a result of the complete closure.
Financial Pressures Mount
Managing director Simon Goff described the decision as "extremely difficult" and made only after exhausting all other options. He cited multiple financial challenges that made the business unsustainable.
"Above inflation costs, changing travel patterns and recently an increasingly competitive market all added extra pressure," Mr Goff stated. "We cannot afford to continue with such a heavily loss-making business."
The operator revealed staggering passenger number declines, with a 21% year-on-year decrease following a 13% fall in 2024-25. The company also blamed post-Covid travel pattern changes and a downward trend in tourism for exacerbating their financial difficulties.
Support and Transition Plans
First Bus emphasised that it is working with affected staff to secure alternative positions within the company or wider FirstGroup where possible. The company plans to communicate more detailed information about the proposals before Christmas.
Despite previous efforts to turn the business around - including network changes, closing smaller outstations like Helston, and partnership work with Cornwall Council - the operation remained financially unviable.
The transport union RMT described the announcement as a "devastating blow" for both its members and communities relying on the services. A spokesperson confirmed the union would press First South West to explore every option to avoid compulsory redundancies and work with other operators and authorities to maintain bus services across Cornwall.
First Bus confirmed it is collaborating with Cornwall Council and other operators to ensure a smooth handover, hoping to maintain as many routes as possible under new management.
