As mentioned in a comment on this blog ( I was sceptical at first!) and confirmed by some on Facebook as having been announced internally within the company
Some sad news indeed emerging from First Kernow tonight, is that it has been announced internally that ALL open top vehicles have been withdrawn for next season, and that The Land's End Coaster and The Atlantic Coaster will be operated with closed top vehicles year round instead of just in the winter.
I must admit I am surprised as it seems they were popular. Having said that though the operation is looking very much unloved by the group these days so maybe we shouldn't be that surprised really. Presumably the routes themselves will continue to operate so would be less attractive to anyone else who might feel inclined to operate open tops in Cornwall instead. It would be sad that a county with the most amazing coastline will have no open top services for tourists.
For an idea of what will be missed this year there is an excellent series on You tube where Johhny Hoover tracks the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole using local buses. Its well worth a watch and it does highlight the stunning scenery that can be enjoyed on these routes.
Do we even see First staying in Cornwall for much longer? Any attempt at localisation is now frowned upon by the group with many attractive local liveries being replaced by the admitted smart new corporate livery although I have yet to see any local buses repainted. ( I think there is one that came ready painted?). Any attempt at marketing appears to have been dropped with their own web site being a bland corporate affair where you are more likely to read about developments in Berkshire than anything more local.
© Nick Rice [creative commons] back in 2022
Stagecoach didn't operate its 122 open-top service in Torbay last year, apart from a one-bus shuttle between Paignton and Devon Bay Holiday Park. This may though have been down to the road works at Torquay Strand, which have since been completed; and the closure of Torbay Road in Paignton to through traffic (now rescinded) which meant Paignton Seafront couldn't be served. The 222 between Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren didn't operate either. It remains to be seen if these services return for the 2025 season.
ReplyDeleteBy contrast, Oxford Bus Company's new fleet of electric buses includes several open-toppers for its City Sightseeing operation.
ReplyDeletePersonally and sadly I think this is the beginning of the end for First in Cornwall. It seems to be a repeat of Plymouth...too much interference from remote management who have no idea about the area they serve! They may well hang around to bid for Cornwall council contracts in 2027 I believe and if unsuccessful can see them withdrawing from Cornwall in 2028
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