BUS services in Cornwall are set to improve from April when a new package of supported services is introduced with improved frequencies and routes, reduced fares for passengers, better links with rail, integrated school transport services and more environmentally friendly buses.

This include new improved transport services in and around the Post area, most notably from Launceston to Bodmin; increased number of journeys between Hartland, Bude and Marhamchurch; and additional journeys on services between Bude and Launceston and Bude to Truro.

To accommodate these new services, a new eight year contract has been awarded to Go Cornwall Bus, a subsidiary of national company Go-Ahead, to deliver a network of council subsided local bus routes which are essential to local residents but are not commercially viable.

Improvements to public transport in Cornwall over the past three years has seen passenger satisfaction increase from 85% to 95% and passenger numbers increase by 5% year on year, bucking the national trend which has seen a reduction in bus travel.

Cornwall Councillor Adam Paynter, who represents Launceston North and North Petherwin, said: “We have been campaigning hard to improve the bus services in our area. We had numerous meetings with council staff to press Launceston’s case as we had been cut off from travelling to Bodmin by public transport for several years.

“This now opens up the rail network from Bodmin Parkway Station, and increases the frequency of journeys to Bude as well as newer, more efficient buses.”

Councillor for Altarnun, Adrian Parsons said it was vital that Cornwall Council provided a regular service connecting rural communities to local towns so people can access local services.

“Many from the Lewannick area use the Carnewater Doctors whose surgeries are in Lewannick and Bodmin. There was also disappointment when the ASDA bus service was lost so this will go some way to replacing that.”

Launceston Central Councillor Gemma Massey welcomed the improvements, adding: “After years of lobbying, we can now enjoy much better public transport that links us to Truro and the rest of Cornwall via the new service to Bodmin. I hope people will make good use of it so it becomes a sustainable route for years to come.”

Councillor for Launceston South Jade Farrington added: “Better links to Derriford Hospital will be welcomed by many, and I hope the reduced fares pilot will encourage people to take advantage of new routes and make greater use of our buses.”

The council subsidises over 50% of bus routes across Cornwall to connect communities and offer a viable alternative to the car. These routes would otherwise not be provided by bus operators as they are not commercially viable but the council says they are lifeline for residents to access employment and education as well as shopping and leisure.

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, Geoff Brown said: “Improving Cornwall’s public transport system is one of the key priorities for the Council because we know it is important to our residents.”

“We are concentrating on making public transport easier to use and good value so that residents move away from using the car. This new contract will deliver wider network coverage and more frequent buses with timetables that will dovetail with half hourly train services.”

“These improvements will ensure the trend of increased use continues as we build a completely integrated public transport system which is focussed on the needs of the passenger.”

Awarding the contract is the next stage in the One Public Transport System for Cornwall project which is delivering upon its objectives to improve public transport and provide a seamless integrated public transport network.

A further tender exercise will take place to determine the contracts for the delivery of School Bus Services — these awards will be made at the end of January 2020.