Over the past few months, we’ve seen some major and disruptive changes to bus services here in Falmouth, changes that have deeply impacted our student community. One of the most noticeable, and frankly damaging, decisions has been the removal of student term-time and annual bus passes by First Bus. 

Affordable and accessible transport has long been a priority for the SU, and this issue has become even more pressing now that bus pricing and availability have been pushed into the spotlight as a union priority. 

Since these changes came into effect, your SU President Jadelle, with the support of the Sabbatical Officers, has taken decisive action to represent your concerns and demand change. She’s been in regular discussions with a number of key partners and stakeholders, including: 

• Representatives from both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall campuses) 

• FX Plus 

• Cornwall Council 

• The Chamber of Commerce 

The goal of these meetings? To push for real, sustainable solutions that consider the financial pressure students are now under. The cancellation of these student bundles has left many struggling to afford the daily cost of travel to and from campus, work placements, and other essential services. 

Roundtable Action: Bringing Student Voices to the Forefront 

On October 1st, Jadelle organised and led a transport roundtable, creating an open and inclusive space for students to speak directly with university staff and FX Plus representatives. This wasn’t just a chance to vent frustrations, it was a meaningful opportunity for: 

• Students to share first-hand stories of how the removal of the travel bundles is affecting them 

• Staff to provide transparency about the current challenges and limitations in addressing the issue 

• Open dialogue around possible short- and long-term solutions 

The message from students was loud and clear: the current situation is unsustainable. 

What Happens Next? 

This is far from over. We want to be absolutely clear, we are not letting this drop. 

Your Sabbatical Officer team is continuing to put pressure on the universities to acknowledge the severity of the issue and take more responsibility in supporting their students. While transport providers like First Bus hold much of the power when it comes to pricing structures, our universities can and should step in when access to education and wellbeing is being compromised. 

We are also continuing to lobby First Bus and other transport companies to reintroduce student bundles and improve the transparency and consistency of their services. 

How You Can Help 

• Share your experiences: We’re collecting student testimonies to strengthen our case. If you've been impacted by the changes to bus services, please get in touch. 

• Stay engaged: Keep an eye out for future forums, surveys, and roundtables, your voice is crucial. 

• Spread the word: Let your peers know what’s happening and how they can get involved. 

In Summary 

Transport is a pressing issue. It affects access to education, financial stability, mental health, and overall quality of life. The removal of student bus bundles was not just an inconvenience, it was a serious setback. But with your help, and through continued advocacy, we are determined to push for change.