First Bus is planning to axe all its services in Cornwall, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
The transport operator revealed on Friday that all its Cornish operations will end after the last service on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The announcement comes amid "ongoing financial challenges" and a substantial decline in passenger numbers.
First Bus South, which oversees Cornish services, currently runs 14 routes using an 85-vehicle fleet.
The firm confirmed that 275 positions are under threat due to the forthcoming closure, reports Cornwall Live.
First said it was collaborating with all affected staff to secure alternative positions within the company or broader FirstGroup where feasible.
The operator intends to pull out from all five depots it runs across Cornwall - in Camborne, Falmouth, Penzance, Summercourt and Truro.
Simon Goff, managing director for First Bus South, said: "This was an extremely difficult decision, which was made after all other options were exhausted. We understand this news will be deeply disappointing for our colleagues and passengers, and we want to thank everyone who has travelled with us over the years.
"Our proposal to exit the market in Cornwall isn't a process that we have entered into lightly. Above inflation costs, changing travel patterns and recently an increasingly competitive market all added extra pressure. We cannot afford to continue with such a heavily loss-making business.
"These plans do not in any way detract from the commitment of our colleagues, who have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible service to local communities in Cornwall. Now, supporting our people through this process is our priority. Wherever possible we are working to offer options or transfer colleagues to alternative employment."
First has indicated that additional information regarding the proposals and subsequent actions will be communicated prior to Christmas.
The decision was made in the face of ongoing financial challenges intensified by above-inflation costs, the bus operator said.
A 21 percent fall in passenger numbers year-on-year on top of a 13 percent fall in 2024-25 and increased competition are also to blame, First added.
The company also blamed the downward trend in tourism and changes in travel patterns post-Covid.
"Despite extensive efforts to turn the business around and cut costs, including making significant changes to the network, closing smaller outstations like Helston and introducing transformation plans to attract more customers through joint partnership work with Cornwall Council, First Bus recognises the heavily loss-making business is no longer financially viable," the company said on Friday.
It is understood First is working with Cornwall Council and other operators "to ensure a smooth handover" in the hope that as many routes as possible can be maintained.
A spokesperson for transport union RMT said the announcement was a "devastating blow" for its members and for communities that rely on the services.
"Only weeks after a major restructure and redundancy consultation, the company is now proposing to withdraw completely, putting 275 jobs at risk across Camborne, Falmouth, Penzance, Summercourt and Truro," an RMT spokesperson said.
“RMT will be pressing First South West to explore every possible option to avoid compulsory redundancies and will be contacting other operators, local authorities and politicians to make sure bus services continue across Cornwall.
"These routes are vital for local people and must not be allowed to disappear overnight."
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