I've always been a little undecided re the reality of Western Greyhound. Their modus operandi was obviously very effective and when at their peak the spread and expansions of their operation was impressive, but conversely First were pretty dire at the time. However, I sometimes found the industry impression of them a little different to the on the ground perspectives. Their network was built in the back of the Vario / Beaver 2 combo, but from a passenger perspective these weren't vehicles many would look back on with fondness - not the most comfortable, rattly, bouncy and tiring over any long journey on rural roads. Journeys often required changes, often in locations that were convenient for the company, rather than the passenger.
Truronian is another Cornish example I miss. Again they had a 'peak period', but they did do some innovative stuff (for Cornwall). Their first low floor SLFs for the T1 coast to coast service were a step above what other local operators were using - buggy and wheelchair friendly, radios, a Lego board on the side of the buggy bay, upholstered (carpet/moquette) panelling. Similarly some of their work on initiatives like the Helston Branchline and Eden Branchline were good models for integrating bus and rail. Also their work with the council on the Trevithic Link routes. Certainly a mixed operator, but in some ways a little more innovative than the much plauded Western Greyhound.
On a personal perspective I'd also add Jennings of Bude. Their friendly drivers and bright orange and white coaches on the service to Exeter are something fondly remembered from my childhood - plus peeping into the gloom of their Lansdowne Road garage to see what coaches were there.
