300 Open Top Bus & Circular Route for St Ives, Penzance, Lands End, St Just and St Ives

300 open top bus update

The 300 Open Top Bus & Circular Route for St Ives, Penzance, Lands End, St Just and St Ives has been popular with tourists and locals alike and has been a favourite with bus pass holders.

A combination of great summer weather last year and reducing Council funds meant that the cost to the Council could no longer be afforded. Whilst this is understandably disappointing the Director of First Bus, Alex Carter, has said “First are keen to ensure that people can continue to enjoy the service without excessive cost to the Council or a loss to First Bus”.

He went on the explain the decision by saying “undoubtedly popular on fine days, demand fluctuates significantly according to the weather. The service has struggled overall to cover the cost of running it”.

So, here are the facts from First.

• The former 300 circular route will now be served in three separate sections:-
  • St Ives – Marazion – Penzance (17B), every hour each way – bus passes can be used
  • Penzance – Lands End (1/1A), every hour each way – bus passes can be used
  • Lands End – St Just – St Ives (300), 3 journeys each way per day – bus passes cannot be used but a concessionary fare will be available

Councillor for St Just, Sue James has been in touch with Alex Carter because local bus pass holders had contacted her concerned that the fare on the 300 would put it out of reach of their limited incomes.

She explained “I was pleased that First bus responded quickly to the concern of local passengers and began to consider the introduction of a concessionary fare to those who are old enough to carry a bus pass. In the latest communication I have received I have heard that this is likely to be 50% of the normal adult fare”.

Sue James went on to state “I understand that this is essentially a tourist bus but, on a fine day, local people have historically enjoyed a day out on the bus and I hope that most will still feel able to do this.”

First bus have explained that they are going to use a vintage bus on the 300 route although they will switch back to an open top on fine weather days. They will also use open top buses, when possible, on the passenger services between St Ives and Penzance and Penzance and Lands End and have ensured that the 3 services connect together.

More information can be found here