Go South West keeps communities connected in Cornwall

Go Cornwall Bus, part of Go South West, will be expanding its services across Cornwall following First South West’s decision to withdraw all bus operations from the county after 14 February 2026.

Recognising the importance of maintaining essential bus connections, Go Cornwall Bus is working in close collaboration with Cornwall Council to design a revised but comprehensive network. The intention is to ensure that people across Cornwall can continue to access bus services for work, education, healthcare, leisure and visiting friends and family.

This builds on Go Cornwall Bus’s long-standing commitment to the communities it serves, and its focus on reliable, accessible and trusted public transport across the county.

Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Go South West, said: “Cornwall is our home, and we are committed to protecting the bus services that so many people rely on. We will be introducing a revised but comprehensive network that keeps every community connected. Our priority is to ensure that any area currently served by First South West continues to have access to bus services.”

Martin Dean, Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead, added:“We’re dedicated to keeping communities connected, whether that means introducing new routes, stepping in when other operators withdraw, or strengthening existing networks. We fully support the team at Go South West as they prepare for this important transition in Cornwall and are proud of the leadership and care they show for their communities.”

Go-Ahead has a strong track record of stepping in to support communities when other operators end services. Recent examples include the introduction of the ‘Kent Country’ network following Arriva’s withdrawal of Route 477, the expansion of Carousel Buses’ operations in High Wycombe after Arriva depot closures, and earlier interventions by Morebus and Bluestar in Bournemouth, Poole and Southampton. This experience means the Group is well placed to support Go South West through the transition in Cornwall.