Go-Ahead has confirmed its acquisition of the Truronian Coaches business and Truro depot from First Bus as part of the latter group’s exit from Cornwall. The sale will complete on 15 February, the day after First ends its bus operations in the county.
No vehicles are included, but it is understood that the forward book of work is. Go-Ahead would not be drawn on plans for Truronian, but a folding into the Exeter-based Dartline Coaches business that Go-Ahead bought in 2022 has been suggested.
First Bus has said that no contracted FlixBus services are part of the sale. A message to staff in January notes how sale of Truronian Coaches was “not part of the original proposal for exiting the Cornwall market,” but that the deal aligns with wider changes in the county.
When First’s exit from the Cornwall bus market was announced in November 2025, Go-Ahead subsidiary Go South West wasted no time in saying that it would step in to cover most existing provision, albeit not on a like-for-like basis.
Go-Ahead has already purchased Camborne and Summercourt depots from First Bus. It is the intended operator for the Truro park-and-ride service. That will soon gain a fleet of Cornwall Council-owned Wrightbus GB Kite Electroliner battery-electric single-decks.
The staff communication from First Bus notes how Truronian Coaches will continue to operate out of Truro depot and that all staff within that business unit are protected under TUPE. It adds that the sale ensures continuity for customers and for Truronian “to move forward with a secure future beyond February.”
In a statement to routeone, First Bus South Managing Director Simon Goff adds Truronian is “a successful company that has built strong relationships with customers across the South West, and we are pleased that the future owner shares our commitment to safety and great service.”
He explains that the sale to Go-Ahead came after careful consideration, with First Bus “confident that the business is moving into capable hands and well positioned for future success.” Mr Goff has thanked customers and colleagues for their support and wished Go-Ahead success with Truronian.
Notices and Proceedings for the West of England dated 5 February shows that an O-Licence in the name of Go South West subsidiary Plymouth Citybus Ltd is now authorised for 45 vehicles at operating centres in each of Camborne and Summercourt; 35 in Truro; and 25 in Falmouth.
