West of England independent operator Cornwall Busways has ceased trading.
A statement on the firm’s Facebook page on December 27 read: “It is with regret that we advise you that Cornwall Busways services will cease on December 31, 2014. After this date, Cornwall Busways will surrender its O-licence and will cease trading.
“This action is taken as a result of a continuing dispute with the West Of England Traffic Commissioner (TC). From January 5, 2015, First Cornwall will extend its popular Truro to St Austell service 27 onwards to Bodmin Morrisons via Penwithick, Bugle & Stenalees and maintaining a hourly link through Kerrow Moor, Rosevean and Rosevear Road. First Cornwall, with support from Cornwall Council, has also applied to register a partial replacement for the 30 between Carclaze and St Austell, via Boscoppa Tesco and Asda. The introduction of this service is subject to approval by the TC.
“Also from January 5, First Cornwall will introduce a new service 24 between Fowey, Par, St Blazey and St Austell which will cover many parts of service 31 which has been withdrawn with immediate effect. This service will operate up to every 30 minutes, Mondays to Saturdays.
“The whole team at Cornwall Busways would like to thank you all for your custom, support and well wishes over the past seven months and hope you will support your new services provided by First Cornwall.”
It is understood the fleet comprised four Darts, registered ‘R530YRP,’ ‘X513ADF,’ ‘R632VEG’ and ‘R76GNW.’
A spokesperson for the Office of the TC told CBW: “The O-licence held by Cornwall Busways Limited has been called to a Public Inquiry before the TC, Nick Jones, on January 7. The hearing will consider the company’s alleged failure to operate a registered local service and material change in the circumstances of the licence holder. The Traffic Commissioner can not comment on individual cases in line with other judicial office holders.”
