For Go Ahead, the deal might be reasonably lucrative, especially given that you've mentioned that they bid more than First yet potentially have lower driver costs! Appreciate that you say it's no big deal for First but don't know if I share the sentiment. Are you saying that 25% of the business is tendered, but FK say it was losing money?? Not certain I quite believe that. Tendered work isn't generally lucrative but it does soak up overhead etc. Also, if operating Sunday/Evening work, then that should represent bunce - the fixed costs are already paid for so its just the fuel and driver (plus a bit for tyres and maintenance) to pay for. Given the relative lack of competition in West/Mid Cornwall, I'd have expected FK to be able to have secured some decent if unspectacular margins. In terms of Bodmin depot, there won't be that much that is commercial other than the two boards on the 27??
In terms of some of these service improvements, it all seems a bit arbitrary. As you say, Truro to St Mawes is not exactly stunning now (having been run under tender by First, Truronian and WG) so why it needs an hourly frequency....? Same with the St Austell to Tregony - how have Cornwall Council identified the need for that link? Did it previously have a service? Newquay to Redruth is an interesting one - assume it will run via Rejarrah and through Chiverton Cross and Scorrier. That might be one to watch, I guess, but otherwise, I just can't see the CC thought process.
Put it another way, for the money to run the additional Roseland services and the passengers they will generate, how much benefit would you get from adding a Winter Sunday evening service on the Tinners? Or have they plans for that already?
