FIRST will have to deliver a more reliable bus service in Falmouth

12.11.27pm GMT Wed 10th Jan 2007

Local MP Julia Goldsworthy has said that the new bus timetable being introduced by First gives the company a much needed opportunity to restore public confidence and demonstrate that it is capable of delivering a more reliable service.

During a public meeting held by Julia Goldsworthy MP, First Group accepted that there were significant problems with reliability and that the Number 68's new route, introduced in the autumn, had added to journey times. Nearly 70% of the complaints received by First after the initial changes related to reliability.

The new timetable changes that were introduced on 7th January mean that there are now half hourly services to Tremough and Old Hill. Services to Trescobeas and Boslowick will be every hour, with journey times being reduced along both these routes.

During the meeting, it also emerged that a new, more frequent service is being introduced - the No. 41. This is a half hourly service linking Falmouth to Camborne and Redruth, with brand new easy access buses.

Commenting of the new bus timetable, which was introduced on 7th January 2007, Julia Goldsworthy MP said:

"The reduction in frequency will obviously be a disappointment to many passengers. However, the greatest frustration has been related to the poor reliability of this service - where many people are left waiting for buses that do not appear. The routing changes are designed to overcome this difficulty, but obviously it will be necessary to keep a very close eye to see how the new services shape up.

"While every household in the area will be receiving a new timetable in the next few weeks, passengers should have had greater warning in advance about the changes.

"The problem of bus punctuality is added to by the farcical situation with regard to illegal parking. There are notorious pinch points in the town that are becoming serious problems because of illegal parking and due to the lack of a Traffic Warden to ensure restrictions are enforced. I have written to Inspector Scott urging him to ensure his officers are issuing penalty notices while they are on the beat in the town, to ensure that our buses can run on time, and so that people enjoy their time in the town centre in safety."

cont'd

Mr Marc Reddy, Managing Director for First Devon and Cornwall added:

"We had recognised that we had some reliability issues on Service 68 soon after its revision in the Autumn. Taking on board customer feedback and working with Cornwall County Council, the new timetable introduced on 7th January is intended to be more reliable.

"We also appreciate the help and support from Julia Goldsworthy in relation to trying to alleviate some of the illegal parking issues in Falmouth."