From January 2014, First Kernow will increase fares throughout Cornwall.

In the last 6 years, the price of a Day Ticket has risen from £5.50 in 2008 to £10.00 in 2014; an average of 13.5% each year. The cost of child tickets and many other single and return fares will also increase.

They claim that this is to simplify the ticket types and provide a service that is easier to understand. They also claim that new policies such as scrapping Dog Fares and lengthening the valid use time of a return ticket will make the new fares fairer. However, this cannot justify the lack of choice the new system will offer, with no ticket option beyond a monthly pass, the cost of 1 year's unlimited travel will skyrocket from £810.00 to £1200.00.

Over the last 5 years, First have also taken the decision to close Camborne Travelshop and shorten the hours that their Penzance and Truro Travel Shops are open. This means that if you live in the Camborne/ Redruth Area and wish to find out some information or make a complaint, you may have to either call their premium rate number or even pay to travel on their buses in order to reach a travel shop that is open.

First also claim that their fares are due to Cornwall's rural nature. However, in Devon, an equally if not more rural landscape, the cost of an all-day ticket remains at £5.00

We, the undersigned, call upon First Kernow to reconsider their ticket prices and the damaging effect they are having on the people of Cornwall.