In the wake of recent storms and weather, various buses were cancelled, leaving many stranded in the rain.
Those relying on the First Bus app and the electronic destination displays were caught off guard.
Their app doesn’t display any information on bus cancellations, instead that can be found on First Bus’ travel updates page on their website.
“There were no warnings on the app or the bus stops to indicate there would be less or cancelled buses…”
A destination display at The Moor in Falmouth
A student at Falmouth University told me about their experiences in the storms. “There were no warnings on the app or the bus stops to indicate there would be less or cancelled buses which led to me going to a bus stop and having to sit around during cold, stormy weather for about 35 minutes.”
“There was another time where the buses weren’t as regular as they usually were for the time and day when I left Wetherspoons in Falmouth which led to just walking home to Penryn in the storm.”
“What I did to see if the bus was cancelled was to check the bus tracker in the app to see if it was anywhere to be seen on the map and if it was at least on the way. I didn’t see any bus on the tracker so I assumed the bus wasn’t coming.”
“There aren’t any updates on if a bus is cancelled or delayed.”
“I think first bus should display if a bus has been cancelled or delayed on the app and the digital timetable at the bus stops to keep people updated and able to plan their trips better. There aren’t any updates on if a bus is cancelled or delayed.”
A survey conducted by Cornwall Council showed a 66% satisfaction rate for on board information and a 71% satisfaction rate for overall reliability. This follows a downward trend since the surveys were initially carried out in 2019.
This survey was started in association with Cornwall Councils’ ‘Bus Service Improvement Plan’, in which they are working with bus operators to develop Cornwall’s bus network.
“We want buses to be viewed positively, attracting more users out of choice, not necessity.”
Their stated vision is: “Buses in Cornwall will provide an excellent connection between people, communities, businesses and services in a way that is reliable, efficient, safe, inclusive and enjoyable and supports the delivery of a low-carbon Cornwall.”
According to their 2024 report, “Forty-four percent (44%) of bus users in Cornwall choose to travel by bus because they are unable to make the same journey in any other way, rather than the bus being the more attractive option.”
“We want buses to be viewed positively, attracting more users out of choice, not necessity.”
If your bus is cancelled you may be able to claim a refund on the First Bus website here.
Travelling by train can be just as difficult. Railways in Cornwall are frequently upgraded due to their age, meaning trains are often cancelled due to maintenance as well as due to the weather.
According to data from On Time Trains, 4.8% of all scheduled stops were cancelled last year in the south west.
Travel updates for First Bus services in Cornwall can be found here and if you’re travelling by train, GWR travel updates can be found here.