Observations from today... the 0735 Newquay to Truro 85 service did a drive through Newquay bus station non stop at 0746. The 0800 56 to padstow left at 0807 with a 10.8m (according to sticker on the side) brand new mmc, I imagine it needs its ferry lift to get over Harlyn without rubbing its belly. I know Kernow 10.6m tridents couldn’t make it over Harlyn bridge and only 9.9m tridents we’re booked to work the A5. The hump limits to short wheel base vehicles with no rear overhang!
The double door ex London 64 plates are unsuitable for use at our drive in, reverse out bus stations. The wheel chair ramp is in the central doors which can’t be used on St Austell, Truro, Camborne or Penzance (departure side) bus stations.
Publicity is still lacking at many stops. There is one member of staff been giving that task, however he keeps being given other responsibilities, he hasn’t been provided a list of stops or routes. He’s relying on asking his friends who work for Kernow for help (he’s fortunately well known in local bus circles so has many contacts)! Many passengers are unaware of change to operators, the publicity that has been put up just says Transport for Cornwall due to covid refer to our website for emergency timetables. As most passengers have never seen a TfC service on any routes they are unaware this applies to them!
TfC have completely disregarded key workers with many of their services, the last 93 from Truro is 1640! The last 93 from Newquay at 1720. A key worker I know has been walking home to St Columb major On a few evenings when he hasn’t been able to arrange alternatives. I know we are in tough times but the government has said bus services should be for essential travel, yet TfC are not providing services at key times for essential workers! Treliske most wards change over at 0730/0800/1930/2000, yet TfC have decided not to operate most of their evening services. First Kernow have stepped in and provided a 2020 Treliske to St Austell service (2035 from Truro bus station) which was a subsidised trip to get NHS workers home!
First have kept hourly frequency on most routes during the daytime, pretty much running the core commercial winter routes to normal frequency, whereas the local authority subsidised option have dropped to every 2 or 3 hourly frequency and cut numerous routes!
