Residents have been expressing their concern after the latest round of changes to the local bus network.
It was announced this month that Go Cornwall Bus’ number 12 service would be undergoing some changes. The service provides towns across North Cornwall, including Bude and Launceston, with a route into Plymouth. However, following a reshuffle of services, the route has been split into three.
The new 12 bus now runs from Plymouth to Callington, while the 76A serves Callington to Launceston, and finally the 76 runs from Launceston to Bude.
However, these changes have not been met with a positive reception from residents, with many concerned about the financial impact and the prospect of delays, resulting in missed connections.
Due to the route’s fragmentation, passengers are now expected to pay three fares (at the start of each new journey), instead of the single fare previously required.
Local concern has even lead to the creation of a petition calling for a reversal of the route’s division.
It explains: “The recent changes to the 76a, 76, and 12 bus routes have left many of us in Cornwall struggling to make it to work on time. The fragmentation of these routes, which once served as a direct connection between bude and Plymouth, now forces passengers to rely on multiple buses. This inconvenience not only disrupts daily commutes but also puts a financial strain on residents who must stretch their budgets to cover three separate fares each way.”
So far the petition has received more than 500 signatures supporting its call for a return to a direct service from Bude to Plymouth.
Go Cornwall Bus have been contacted for comment.