ADVERTORIAL: 7 things you need to know about the company driving the Devon and Cornwall bus network

As part of the Go Ahead Group, Go South West has encompassed both Go Cornwall Bus and Plymouth Citybus to create one of the largest bus operations in the South West.

Having won the largest single bus contract in the UK to operate routes for Cornwall Council in 2020, there is a high chance that you have been on a Go South West bus.

Now sponsoring the Western Morning News Business Awards, taking place on October 7, 2021 at Plymouth’s Crowne Plaza hotel, it seems like the perfect time to tell you what you need to know about Go South West.

1. They are part of the Go-Ahead Group

Having acquired Plymouth Citybus in 2009, the Go-Ahead Group is one of the leading providers of bus services within the UK.

Committed to providing reliable and affordable bus travel the group was founded back in 1987 in the North East of England.

Expanding rapidly across the UK, the group acquired such large bus operators as the Oxford Bus Company and the Brighton and Hove bus company.

Since the mid-1990s Go-Ahead has also been delivering rail services, accounting for 30% of all passenger journeys across the UK through Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Southeastern.

The group now operates 10 bus services across the UK with more than 5,000 buses, 17,000+ members of staff as well as other services in Norway, Germany, Ireland and Singapore.

2. There are more than 300 buses in the region

Whether you regularly hop on the bus to get to work or to nip into town, there are plenty of buses out and about to take you where you need to go.

These buses include public transport vehicles, privately contracted routes and vintage buses available for private hire.

Go-Ahead managing director Richard Stevens with the Lord Lieutenant celebrating Go South West’s Queen’s Award

A fully loaded double decker bus can take up to 75 cars off the road, so not only can you enjoy regular services you can also do your part for the environment.

3. Increased services

Now that all Covid-19 government restrictions have been lifted it’s no surprise that all public transport will be a bit busier.

That’s why from September Go South West will be providing extra services to cope with increased passenger demand. This will include the F1 between Falmouth and Truro and the 26/26A between Bodmin and St Austell.

Go South West also trialled a Park and Ride service in Newquay over the summer holidays which saw regular services running every 20 minutes during the day and every half an hour in the evenings