Falmouth Park and Ride has extended its hours and reduced its price after its operators bought two of their own double-decker buses.

The service is run by Fal River Cornwall which is now in possession of two buses from Oxford which are low floor, enviro 3, meaning they are less polluting than older buses, and will be rebranded to reflect their use in Falmouth.

“By owning the buses we are able to reduce the cost of the service and also run an earlier and later service when required,” said managing director Tim Light.

In previous years, the first bus out of the Ponsharden depot was 10am, but now it will be 9.45am and rather than the service ending at 6pm, the last bus back from the Prince Of Wales Pier will now be 7.15pm.

“This is to link in with later ferry services and also in response to surveys from customers who wanted to be in Falmouth for longer,” said Mr Light. “Also this year, any user of the park and ride will be able to use their tickets to be part of the Falmouth Shopper card scheme.”

The shopper card offers discounts at participating businesses throughout the town centre. In another bid to encourage visitors to shop in town, the park and ride bus will be stopping at the top of High Street so passengers will be able to stroll down the hill and take in the shops and restaurants on offer.

Any businesses interested in advertising on the new buses should contact Beverley on 01872 861917.