The new fleet of high-tech buses were launched at Penryn Campus

Brand new fleet of high-tech buses launched at Penryn Campus

The launch took place on Friday 4th November at Penryn Campus, with local stakeholders and university representatives invited to a special preview of the new vehicles, which will serve both students and the local community along the U1 and U2 routes.

Alex Carter, Managing Director of First Kernow, said: “We are proud to unveil these next-generation vehicles for routes linking Falmouth and Penryn with the surrounding area. As a result of this investment, travelling by bus will now be even more environmentally friendly and comfortable, as well as reliable and affordable.”

The specially branded blue Enviro400 buses are lighter, more fuel efficient, quieter, and have increased seating capacity; they are also wheelchair accessible.

As well as being a great community asset, the buses, which cover the U1 and U2 routes, will provide more environmentally friendly travel as well as free Wi-Fi and handy USB charging sockets at most seats. The specially branded blue Enviro400 buses are lighter, more fuel efficient, quieter, and have increased seating capacity; they are also wheelchair accessible.

The University of Exeter and Falmouth University contribute a significant amount to fund the bus routes with surplus from the campus car parking charges. 

Professor David Hosken, University of Exeter Dean of Strategic Development, said: “This new fleet is really good news. It will strengthen our sustainable transport offering to students, staff, campus visitors and all members of the community who also use these popular bus routes. At the University of Exeter we encourage sustainable travel wherever possible as it benefits the environment and health, and is usually cheaper than driving which is why we, along with Falmouth University, jointly subsidise these buses.”

Fal River, the travel and tourism organisation for the area, helped launch the new buses and has greeted their arrival enthusiastically.

Tim Light, Fal River Managing Director, said: “Buses are a great way to travel around the Falmouth area for tourists, students and locals alike. We welcome this investment in our local transport infrastructure and are looking forward to seeing the smart new blue buses out and about.”

The buses will run up to every ten minutes between Falmouth and the Penryn Campus; students and staff at the university can purchase a Fal Mussel Card UNI, which gives unlimited travel on all First Kernow Buses in Cornwall, as well as local ferries and the Maritime Train Line.

Peter Cox, Chief Operating Officer of Falmouth University, said: “We subsidise transport to the University and actively encourage our students to use public transport wherever possible. Upgrades to the service certainly help us achieve this.”

For more information on travel in and around Falmouth, visit www.falriver.co.uk/uni

Date: 11 November 2016