I pointed out in the story about the new timetables from 31 August how Go Cornwall Bus has launched new services in direct competition with First’s main commercial routes - GCB41 vs. First T1 and T2, GCB32 vs. First U1, GCB2 vs. First U4, and GCB86 vs. First 87.
Now, industry veteran Roger French who writes extensively on his Bus and train user blog, has spent some time in Cornwall in the last couple of weeks and has written a long analysis of the battle between Go Ahead (owner of Go Cornwall Bus) and First, see Go-Ahead goes in for the kill in Kernow. He agrees with my thought that it is likely to end in tears. He says, for example, "This act of aggression between two previously harmonious partners must be causing some consternation at Cornwall Council.”
Update
9 October 2025
A resident of Cubert has written to me to make the point that the GCB86 service is not a direct duplication of the First 87 service. Although both services run between Truro and Newquay via Perranporth and Goonhavern, the GCB86 also calls at Cubert and Holywell Bay and provides a service for those villages which is much appreciated by those who live there. The First 87 does not call at those villages during the day, although it does do so in the evenings, Monday to Saturday. It should also be noted that the GCB service goes via Shortlanesend whilst the First service goes via Treliske and St. Agnes. Overall, the effect of the two services is that there is duplication for some villages, but there is some complementarity for others.