First South West: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Bus transit |
{{Infobox Bus transit |
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|name = First South West |
|name = First South West |
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|logo = |
|logo = File:FirstBus 2024.svg |
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|logo_size = 150 |
|logo_size = 150 |
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|image = Taunton Garage - First 33380 (OIG1790) and 33318 (WK18CHD).JPG |
|image = Taunton Garage - First 33380 (OIG1790) and 33318 (WK18CHD).JPG |
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|fuel_type = |
|fuel_type = |
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|operator = |
|operator = |
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|ceo = |
|ceo =Simon Goff |
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|website = [http://www.firstbus.co.uk/cornwall firstbus.co.uk/cornwall], [http://www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset firstbus.co.uk/somerset]}} |
|website = [http://www.firstbus.co.uk/cornwall firstbus.co.uk/cornwall], [http://www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset firstbus.co.uk/somerset]}} |
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==History== |
==History== |
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[[File:Penzance - First 34754 (A754VAF).jpg|thumb|Preserved [[Eastern Coach Works|ECW]] bodied [[Leyland Olympian]] in the original First Bus livery at Penzance Bus Station in April 2012]] |
[[File:Penzance - First 34754 (A754VAF).jpg|thumb|Preserved [[Eastern Coach Works|ECW]] bodied [[Leyland Olympian]] in the original First Bus livery at Penzance Bus Station in April 2012]] |
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[[File:First Devon & Cornwall 40688.jpg|thumb|[[Plaxton Pointer]] 2 bodied [[Dennis Dart]] in Plymouth in August 2007]] |
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[[File:First Devon & Cornwall 33667 SN12 AEK.jpg|thumb|[[Alexander Dennis Enviro400]] in Plymouth in June 2012]] |
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⚫ | |||
First South West was known as 'First Devon & Cornwall' until 2015. This had been formed from two previous [[FirstGroup]] companies: [[Western National]] in Cornwall and south Devon, and Red Bus in north Devon. FirstGroup purchased independent Cornish operator [[Truronian]] in April 2008 and merged it into First Devon & Cornwall.<ref>[http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=1810&categoryid=0 First to buy Truronian] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224112910/http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=1810&categoryid=0 |date=24 December 2013 }} ''busandcoach.com'' 15 February 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/mergers_ea02/2008/FirstGroup.pdf Anticipated acquisition by Firstgroup plc of Truronian Limited] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103321/http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/mergers_ea02/2008/FirstGroup.pdf |date=24 December 2013 }} Office of Fair Trading 11 April 2008</ref> [[First West of England|First Somerset & Avon]] routes around [[Taunton, Somerset|Taunton]] and [[Bridgwater]] were transferred to First Devon & Cornwall in 2014 and rebranded as [[The Buses of Somerset]]. |
First South West was known as 'First Devon & Cornwall' until 2015. This had been formed from two previous [[FirstGroup]] companies: [[Western National]] in Cornwall and south Devon, and Red Bus in north Devon. FirstGroup purchased independent Cornish operator [[Truronian]] in April 2008 and merged it into First Devon & Cornwall.<ref>[http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=1810&categoryid=0 First to buy Truronian] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224112910/http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=1810&categoryid=0 |date=24 December 2013 }} ''busandcoach.com'' 15 February 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/mergers_ea02/2008/FirstGroup.pdf Anticipated acquisition by Firstgroup plc of Truronian Limited] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103321/http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/mergers_ea02/2008/FirstGroup.pdf |date=24 December 2013 }} Office of Fair Trading 11 April 2008</ref> [[First West of England|First Somerset & Avon]] routes around [[Taunton, Somerset|Taunton]] and [[Bridgwater]] were transferred to First Devon & Cornwall in 2014 and rebranded as [[The Buses of Somerset]]. |
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On 6 September 2015, the [[Plymouth]], [[Dartmouth, Devon|Dartmouth]] and [[Tavistock, Devon|Tavistock]] garages were taken over by [[Stagecoach South West]].<ref>[http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/devon_cornwall/travel_news/news_initiatives/?item=28531&conf=0 First agrees sale of South Devon business to Stagecoach] FirstGroup 10 July 2015</ref><ref>[http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Bus-agrees-sell-Plymouth-operations-Stagecoach/story-26891359-detail/story.html FirstBus agrees to sell Plymouth operations to Stagecoach] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721095304/http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Bus-agrees-sell-Plymouth-operations-Stagecoach/story-26891359-detail/story.html |date=21 July 2015 }} ''Plymouth Herald'' 13 July 2015</ref> Torpoint depot is being used{{clarify|reason=Still?|date=October 2015}} to store the unused members of the fleet. At the same time, First Devon & Cornwall changed their name to First South West to reflect their new area of operation which is only in Cornwall and south Somerset. |
On 6 September 2015, the [[Plymouth]], [[Dartmouth, Devon|Dartmouth]] and [[Tavistock, Devon|Tavistock]] garages were taken over by [[Stagecoach South West]].<ref>[http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/devon_cornwall/travel_news/news_initiatives/?item=28531&conf=0 First agrees sale of South Devon business to Stagecoach]{{Dead link|date=November 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} FirstGroup 10 July 2015</ref><ref>[http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Bus-agrees-sell-Plymouth-operations-Stagecoach/story-26891359-detail/story.html FirstBus agrees to sell Plymouth operations to Stagecoach] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721095304/http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Bus-agrees-sell-Plymouth-operations-Stagecoach/story-26891359-detail/story.html |date=21 July 2015 }} ''Plymouth Herald'' 13 July 2015</ref> Torpoint depot is being used{{clarify|reason=Still?|date=October 2015}} to store the unused members of the fleet. At the same time, First Devon & Cornwall changed their name to First South West to reflect their new area of operation which is only in Cornwall and south Somerset. |
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In January 2020, [[Cornwall Council]] awarded the entire tendered bus network within the county to [[Plymouth Citybus]], consisting of 73 routes. [[Kernow (bus company)|Kernow]] continues to operate their entire commercial network across Cornwall, including Tinner, University, Lizard and Coaster branded routes, as well as the 24, 27, 87 and 91. |
In January 2020, [[Cornwall Council]] awarded the entire tendered bus network within the county to [[Plymouth Citybus]], consisting of 73 routes. [[Kernow (bus company)|Kernow]] continues to operate their entire commercial network across Cornwall, including Tinner, University, Lizard and Coaster branded routes, as well as the 24, 27, 87 and 91. |
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Line 45: | Line 42: | ||
==Routes== |
==Routes== |
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First South West routes cover much of Cornwall. It operates the [[Park & Ride]] service in [[Truro]].<ref>Cornwall Council, http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/public-transport/park-and-ride/</ref> In March 2015, First Kernow commenced operating some of [[Western Greyhound]] following its sudden closure. |
First South West routes cover much of Cornwall. It operates the [[Park & Ride]] service in [[Truro]].<ref>Cornwall Council, http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/public-transport/park-and-ride/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028115027/http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/public-transport/park-and-ride/ |date=28 October 2014 }}</ref> In March 2015, First Kernow commenced operating some of [[Western Greyhound]] following its sudden closure. |
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Although the operator is named ‘First '''South West'''’, it only operates minor services in [[Devon]]. Most services are based in [[Cornwall]] and [[Somerset]]. |
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Many routes are operated commercially and not under any tender or subsidy by the local council. Many of these fall within Cornwall, yet many other services are also operated commercially rather than under tenders such as the Adventures By Bus routes. |
Many routes are operated commercially and not under any tender or subsidy by the local council. Many of these fall within Cornwall, yet many other services are also operated commercially rather than under tenders such as the Adventures By Bus routes. |
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First South West |
First South West, trading as [[The Buses of Somerset]], operated the Taunton Park & Ride service under a contract with [[Somerset Council]] signed in 2021. This was due to last for five years,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bus company wins five-year contract to run Taunton's park and ride|url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/19423107.buses-somerset-secures-five-year-contract-taunton-park-ride/|access-date=2021-07-21|website=Somerset County Gazette|language=en}}</ref> however, First South West informed Somerset Council it no longer finds the route to be viable and ended its commitment in February 2024. The service was taken over by Stagecoach South West.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Taunton park and ride service set for new management|url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23975425.taunton-park-ride-service-set-new-management/|access-date=2023-12-28|website=Somerset County Gazette|language=en}}</ref> |
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== Adventures by Bus == |
== Adventures by Bus == |
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In May 2021, the 'Adventures by Bus' brand commenced operations across First South West's service area, with operations shared between the existing [[Kernow (bus company)|Kernow]] and [[The Buses of Somerset|Buses of Somerset]] divisions. The brand includes many seasonally operated routes. These include; The Dartmoor Explorer, Lands End Coaster, Falmouth Coaster, Atlantic Coaster, Exmoor Coaster |
In May 2021, the 'Adventures by Bus' brand commenced operations across First South West's service area, with operations shared between the existing [[Kernow (bus company)|Kernow]] and [[The Buses of Somerset|Buses of Somerset]] divisions. The brand includes many seasonally operated routes. These include; The Dartmoor Explorer, Lands End Coaster, Falmouth Coaster, Atlantic Coaster, and Exmoor Coaster services. Many of these services operate using open-top vehicles across the summer season. The Atlantic Coaster, and Lands End Coaster services operate on routes previously operated by [[Kernow (bus company)|Kernow]]. Adventures by Bus services operate out of multiple depots and outstations across the service area, all of which are owned and operated by either [[Kernow (bus company)|Kernow]] or [[The Buses of Somerset|Buses of Somerset]]. Adventures by Bus brought [[FirstGroup|First]] services back to [[Devon]] for the first time since September 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adventures By Bus {{!}}|url=https://www.firstbus.co.uk/adventures-bus|access-date=2021-07-21|website=www.firstbus.co.uk}}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
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|+ |
|+ |
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!Typical vehicle |
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!Service Name |
!Service Name |
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!Start |
!Start |
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!Terminus |
!Terminus |
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!Locality |
!Locality |
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!Vehicle Operation |
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!Notes |
!Notes |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[File:Exeter St Davids - First 37155 (YN06URJ) Dartmoor Explorer.JPG|100px]] |
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|Dartmoor Explorer |
|Dartmoor Explorer |
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|[[Plymouth]] |
|[[Plymouth]] |
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| |
|[[Exeter]] |
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|Devon |
|Devon |
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|Seasonal route via [[Yelverton, Devon|Yelverton]], [[Princetown]], [[Postbridge]], and [[Moretonhampstead]]. |
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|[[Wright Eclipse Gemini]] |
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|Via [[Moretonhampstead]] and [[Tavistock]] |
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⚫ | |||
|Discover Exeter |
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|Exeter St Davids |
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|[[Exeter Cathedral]] |
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|Devon |
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|Open-Top [[Plaxton President]] |
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|Seasonal circular tour |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[File:Taunton garage - First 37058 (YJ06XMK) Lands End Coaster.JPG|100px]] |
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|Lands End Coaster |
|Lands End Coaster |
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|[[Land's End]] |
|[[Land's End]] |
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|[[St Ives, Cornwall|St Ives]] |
|[[St Ives, Cornwall|St Ives]] |
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|Cornwall |
|Cornwall |
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⚫ | |||
|Open-Top Plaxton President |
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⚫ | |||
using open-top vehicles. |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[File:Falmouth Prince of Wales Pier - First 32179 (OIG1788).JPG|100px]] |
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|Falmouth Coaster |
|Falmouth Coaster |
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|{{Stnlnk|Falmouth Docks}} |
|{{Stnlnk|Falmouth Docks}} |
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|[[Swanpool, Cornwall|Swanpool]] |
|[[Swanpool, Cornwall|Swanpool]] |
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|Cornwall |
|Cornwall |
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⚫ | |||
|Open-Top Plaxton President |
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⚫ | |||
|- |
|- |
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|[[File:Newquay Bus Station - First 33575 (SN09CDU).JPG|100px]] |
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|Atlantic Coaster |
|Atlantic Coaster |
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|[[Newquay, Cornwall|Newquay]] |
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|St Ives |
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|[[Padstow]] |
|[[Padstow]] |
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|Cornwall |
|Cornwall |
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|Seasonal route along the coast between Newquay and Padstow. |
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|Open-Top [[Enviro400]] |
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|Seasonal route via [[Perranporth]] and [[Newquay]] |
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|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[File:Taunton garage - First 36081 (SN57DBY) Exmoor Coaster.JPG|100px]] |
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|Exmoor Coaster |
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|[[Minehead]] |
|[[Minehead]] |
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|[[ |
|[[Ilfracombe]] |
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|Somerset & Devon |
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|Open-Top [[Scania OmniCity|Scania Omnicity]] |
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|Seasonal route via [[Blue Anchor]], [[Minehead]] and [[Exmoor National Park]]. |
|Seasonal route via [[Blue Anchor]], [[Minehead]] and [[Exmoor National Park]]. |
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|- |
|- |
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⚫ | |||
|Minehead |
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|Tin Coaster |
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|[[Watchet]] |
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|[[Penzance]] |
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|Single-deck bus |
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|[[Lower Boscaswell]] |
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|Connecting extension |
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⚫ | |||
|rowspan=2|The Lizard |
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|rowspan=2|[[Helston]] |
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|rowspan=2|St Ives, [[Lizard Point, Cornwall|Lizard]], [[Falmouth, Cornwall|Falmouth]], [[Truro]] |
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|Cornwall |
|Cornwall |
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⚫ | |||
|Open-Top [[Plaxton President]] |
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|Seasonal route |
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|- |
|- |
||
| |
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|Sunseeker |
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|[[Gwithian]] |
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|[[St Ives, Cornwall|St Ives]] |
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|Cornwall |
|Cornwall |
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|[[Optare Solo SR]], [[East Lancs Myllennium Lolyne]] |
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|L3 and L5 routes |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[File:Penzance Market Jew Street - First 53704 (HIG8433).JPG|100px]] |
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⚫ | |||
|The Mousehole |
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|[[Eden Project]] |
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|[[Penzance]] |
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|[[Lost Gardens of Heligan]], [[Charlestown, Cornwall|Charlestown]], [[Mevagissey]], [[Polperro]], [[Newquay]] |
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|[[ |
|[[Mousehole]] |
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⚫ | |||
|Optare Solo SR, Wright Eclipse Gemini |
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|Optare Solos and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters operate this |
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|Seasonal routes D1, D2, D3, D4, D5,D6,D7 D8, D9, D10 and D11 |
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|} |
|} |
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==Fleet== |
==Fleet== |
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As at April 2019 the fleet consisted of 296 buses and coaches.<ref>[http://www.swhite.org.uk/ FirstGroup Fleetlist] Steve White</ref> |
As at April 2019 the fleet consisted of 296 buses and coaches.<ref>[http://www.swhite.org.uk/ FirstGroup Fleetlist] Steve White</ref> |
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First South West used to operate one of the older [[FirstGroup]] fleets with an average of 11.6 years, but investment in new buses has seen this figure decrease to 9.9 years.<ref>[http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/devon_cornwall/about_us/ About us] First Devon & Cornwall</ref> |
First South West used to operate one of the older [[FirstGroup]] fleets with an average of 11.6 years, but investment in new buses has seen this figure decrease to 9.9 years.<ref>[http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/devon_cornwall/about_us/ About us]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} First Devon & Cornwall</ref> |
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New purchases were made in 2016 and 2018 for the Kernow division. These were [[ADL Enviro400 MMC]]s, [[ADL Enviro200 MMC]]s and [[Optare Solo]] SRs. Most buses are second hand from within the [[FirstGroup]] fleet, they are large fleets of [[Plaxton President]]s on [[Volvo B7TL]] and [[Dennis Trident 2]] chassis, [[Plaxton Pointer]] on [[Dennis Dart]] chassis, Optare Solo's and [[Mercedes-Benz Citaro]]s.<ref name=UKBuses>[http://www.ukbuses.co.uk/fleet/fdc.pdf First: Devon, Kernow, Somerset, Truronian] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085228/http://www.ukbuses.co.uk/fleet/fdc.pdf |date=18 May 2015 }} UK Buses 1 September 2013</ref> |
New purchases were made in 2016 and 2018 for the Kernow division. These were [[ADL Enviro400 MMC]]s, [[ADL Enviro200 MMC]]s and [[Optare Solo]] SRs. Most buses are second hand from within the [[FirstGroup]] fleet, they are large fleets of [[Plaxton President]]s on [[Volvo B7TL]] and [[Dennis Trident 2]] chassis, [[Plaxton Pointer]] on [[Dennis Dart]] chassis, Optare Solo's and [[Mercedes-Benz Citaro]]s.<ref name=UKBuses>[http://www.ukbuses.co.uk/fleet/fdc.pdf First: Devon, Kernow, Somerset, Truronian] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085228/http://www.ukbuses.co.uk/fleet/fdc.pdf |date=18 May 2015 }} UK Buses 1 September 2013</ref> |
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Until December 2006 First South West operated the last sizeable fleet of [[Bristol VRT]] double-deck buses in the United Kingdom.<ref>[http://sulzerpower.com/vr/websitearchive/first091206.html FDC VR running day, 09/12/06] sulzerpower.com</ref> Some of these Bristol VRTs were preserved. |
Until December 2006 First South West operated the last sizeable fleet of [[Bristol VRT]] double-deck buses in the United Kingdom.<ref>[http://sulzerpower.com/vr/websitearchive/first091206.html FDC VR running day, 09/12/06] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110230648/http://sulzerpower.com/vr/websitearchive/first091206.html |date=10 November 2013 }} sulzerpower.com</ref> Some of these Bristol VRTs were preserved. |
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As at May 2019, the oldest buses are Dennis Trident 2/Plaxton Presidents from 1998 operating out of Bridgwater depot. A [[Volvo Olympian]] has been preserved in the fleet.<ref name=UKBuses/><ref>[http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/devon_cornwall/journey_planning/service_300/ Service 300 Cornwall Explorer] First South West</ref> |
As at May 2019, the oldest buses are Dennis Trident 2/Plaxton Presidents from 1998 operating out of Bridgwater depot. A [[Volvo Olympian]] has been preserved in the fleet.<ref name=UKBuses/><ref>[http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/devon_cornwall/journey_planning/service_300/ Service 300 Cornwall Explorer]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} First South West</ref> |
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==Depots== |
==Depots== |
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*[[Bridgwater]] |
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*[[Camborne]] |
*[[Camborne]] |
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*[[Newquay]] |
*[[Newquay]] |
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*[[Minehead]] |
*[[Minehead]] |
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*[[Padstow]] |
*[[Padstow]] |
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*[[Plymouth Citybus]] [[Milehouse|(Milehouse Depot)]] |
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*[[Dartmoor|Lee Moor]] (near [[Plymouth]]) |
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*[[Callington, Cornwall]] |
*[[Callington, Cornwall]] |
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Line 165: | Line 153: | ||
==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category |
{{Commons category|First South West}} |
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*[http://www.firstkernow.co.uk First Kernow website (Cornwall buses)] |
*[http://www.firstkernow.co.uk First Kernow website (Cornwall buses)] |
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*[http://www.busesofsomerset.co.uk Buses of Somerset website (Somerset buses)] |
*[http://www.busesofsomerset.co.uk Buses of Somerset website (Somerset buses)] |
Latest revision as of 07:52, 13 December 2024
Parent | FirstGroup |
---|---|
Headquarters | Camborne |
Service area | Cornwall Somerset Devon |
Service type | Bus services |
Routes | 82[1] |
Depots | 7 |
Chief executive | Simon Goff |
Website | firstbus.co.uk/cornwall, firstbus.co.uk/somerset |
First South West[2] is a bus company operating services in the English counties of Somerset and Cornwall. It is a subsidiary of FirstGroup.
First South West includes the Kernow, Truronian, Adventures by Bus and Buses of Somerset brands.
History
[edit]First South West was known as 'First Devon & Cornwall' until 2015. This had been formed from two previous FirstGroup companies: Western National in Cornwall and south Devon, and Red Bus in north Devon. FirstGroup purchased independent Cornish operator Truronian in April 2008 and merged it into First Devon & Cornwall.[3][4] First Somerset & Avon routes around Taunton and Bridgwater were transferred to First Devon & Cornwall in 2014 and rebranded as The Buses of Somerset.
On 6 September 2015, the Plymouth, Dartmouth and Tavistock garages were taken over by Stagecoach South West.[5][6] Torpoint depot is being used[clarification needed] to store the unused members of the fleet. At the same time, First Devon & Cornwall changed their name to First South West to reflect their new area of operation which is only in Cornwall and south Somerset.
In January 2020, Cornwall Council awarded the entire tendered bus network within the county to Plymouth Citybus, consisting of 73 routes. Kernow continues to operate their entire commercial network across Cornwall, including Tinner, University, Lizard and Coaster branded routes, as well as the 24, 27, 87 and 91.
Commencing from May 2021, First South West launched a number of services under the 'Adventures by Bus' brand across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. These services are operated commercially and include a number of services that were previously operated by Kernow under different circumstances.
Routes
[edit]First South West routes cover much of Cornwall. It operates the Park & Ride service in Truro.[7] In March 2015, First Kernow commenced operating some of Western Greyhound following its sudden closure.
Although the operator is named ‘First South West’, it only operates minor services in Devon. Most services are based in Cornwall and Somerset.
Many routes are operated commercially and not under any tender or subsidy by the local council. Many of these fall within Cornwall, yet many other services are also operated commercially rather than under tenders such as the Adventures By Bus routes.
First South West, trading as The Buses of Somerset, operated the Taunton Park & Ride service under a contract with Somerset Council signed in 2021. This was due to last for five years,[8] however, First South West informed Somerset Council it no longer finds the route to be viable and ended its commitment in February 2024. The service was taken over by Stagecoach South West.[9]
Adventures by Bus
[edit]In May 2021, the 'Adventures by Bus' brand commenced operations across First South West's service area, with operations shared between the existing Kernow and Buses of Somerset divisions. The brand includes many seasonally operated routes. These include; The Dartmoor Explorer, Lands End Coaster, Falmouth Coaster, Atlantic Coaster, and Exmoor Coaster services. Many of these services operate using open-top vehicles across the summer season. The Atlantic Coaster, and Lands End Coaster services operate on routes previously operated by Kernow. Adventures by Bus services operate out of multiple depots and outstations across the service area, all of which are owned and operated by either Kernow or Buses of Somerset. Adventures by Bus brought First services back to Devon for the first time since September 2015.[10]
Typical vehicle | Service Name | Start | Terminus | Locality | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dartmoor Explorer | Plymouth | Exeter | Devon | Seasonal route via Yelverton, Princetown, Postbridge, and Moretonhampstead. | |
Lands End Coaster | Land's End | St Ives | Cornwall | Seasonal circular route via Porthcurno, Penzance, Marazion and Sennen using open-top vehicles. | |
Falmouth Coaster | Falmouth Docks | Swanpool | Cornwall | Seasonal circular around Falmouth. open-top vehicles. | |
Atlantic Coaster | Newquay | Padstow | Cornwall | Seasonal route along the coast between Newquay and Padstow. | |
Exmoor Coaster | Minehead | Ilfracombe | Somerset & Devon | Seasonal route via Blue Anchor, Minehead and Exmoor National Park. | |
Tin Coaster | Penzance | Lower Boscaswell | Cornwall | ||
Sunseeker | Gwithian | St Ives | Cornwall | ||
The Mousehole | Penzance | Mousehole | Cornwall | Optare Solos and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters operate this |
Fleet
[edit]As at April 2019 the fleet consisted of 296 buses and coaches.[11]
First South West used to operate one of the older FirstGroup fleets with an average of 11.6 years, but investment in new buses has seen this figure decrease to 9.9 years.[12] New purchases were made in 2016 and 2018 for the Kernow division. These were ADL Enviro400 MMCs, ADL Enviro200 MMCs and Optare Solo SRs. Most buses are second hand from within the FirstGroup fleet, they are large fleets of Plaxton Presidents on Volvo B7TL and Dennis Trident 2 chassis, Plaxton Pointer on Dennis Dart chassis, Optare Solo's and Mercedes-Benz Citaros.[13]
Until December 2006 First South West operated the last sizeable fleet of Bristol VRT double-deck buses in the United Kingdom.[14] Some of these Bristol VRTs were preserved.
As at May 2019, the oldest buses are Dennis Trident 2/Plaxton Presidents from 1998 operating out of Bridgwater depot. A Volvo Olympian has been preserved in the fleet.[13][15]
Depots
[edit]Outstations
[edit]- Eden Project
- Falmouth
- Helston
- Minehead
- Padstow
- Plymouth Citybus (Milehouse Depot)
- Callington, Cornwall
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/devon_cornwall/journey_planning/timetables/index.php?operator=6&page=1&redirect=no [dead link ]
- ^ Companies House extract company no 1669417 First South West Limited
- ^ First to buy Truronian Archived 24 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine busandcoach.com 15 February 2008
- ^ Anticipated acquisition by Firstgroup plc of Truronian Limited Archived 24 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine Office of Fair Trading 11 April 2008
- ^ First agrees sale of South Devon business to Stagecoach[permanent dead link ] FirstGroup 10 July 2015
- ^ FirstBus agrees to sell Plymouth operations to Stagecoach Archived 21 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine Plymouth Herald 13 July 2015
- ^ Cornwall Council, http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/public-transport/park-and-ride/ Archived 28 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Bus company wins five-year contract to run Taunton's park and ride". Somerset County Gazette. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
- ^ "Taunton park and ride service set for new management". Somerset County Gazette. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "Adventures By Bus |". www.firstbus.co.uk. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
- ^ FirstGroup Fleetlist Steve White
- ^ About us[permanent dead link ] First Devon & Cornwall
- ^ a b First: Devon, Kernow, Somerset, Truronian Archived 18 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine UK Buses 1 September 2013
- ^ FDC VR running day, 09/12/06 Archived 10 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine sulzerpower.com
- ^ Service 300 Cornwall Explorer[permanent dead link ] First South West