Night bus services will be available on Saturday evenings in Exeter, Torbay, Plymouth and North Devon throughout this year, starting from this Saturday (31 May).
Following successful trials last year in North Devon and Torbay, the Night bus services are returning alongside new routes in Exeter and Plymouth.
The services, provided by Stagecoach, will operate on Saturday evenings from midnight until as late as 4am in a bid to reduce drink and drug-related incidents.
The services have been set up by Devon & Cornwall Police and funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) with support from Devon County Council, North Devon Council, Torridge District Council, Ilfracombe Town Council, Torbay Council and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.
The buses will also be available in Devon on Friday, December 19, and New Year’s Eve.
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “I am delighted that my office will once again fund this fantastic service and help even more people get home safely after a night out. I need people to use these services to show it is commercially viable to ensure it becomes a mainstay of having a night out.
“The extension of the night bus service to include seven new routes will be a fantastic boost to our evening and night time economy, encouraging residents and visitors alike to relax and enjoy socialising in Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and North Devon without worrying about the expense of a taxi, or having a designated driver. Night buses in Devon and Cornwall have been proven to be a great success, reducing crime and antisocial behaviour and making people feel safer – with the added benefit of allowing them to get home for less than the cost of a pint or a glass of wine.”
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “With partnership funding and support we have managed to re-launch a tested and successful initiative. The provision of improved night-time transport will ensure people, and particularly women and girls, arrive home safely having enjoyed their evening out with friends.We have seen that this also reduces antisocial behaviour and has a positive impact across our communities. I am pleased to see so many dedicated routes with such a wide reach into our communities.”
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:
“These night buses provide a valuable service and it’s excellent news that additional routes have now been added. There are so many benefits to these night buses, from safety to affordability as well as helping people to make changes to their travel habits and reduce their carbon footprint, so we’re pleased to be among the partners helping to make these services possible.”
Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “We are proud to be part of an initiative that provides a safe and affordable evening travel option for customers. It is a great example of our ongoing commitment to serving the needs of residents and where required working with partners to achieve that goal. We hope to see a similar positive impact for the community that has been seen in Torquay and North Devon previously.”
Night bus services will be operating on the following routes across Devon:
1: Plymouth – Tavistock via Derriford Hospital and Yelverton
1A: Exeter – Cullompton via Broadclyst and Bradninch
2: Exeter – Dawlish via Exminster and Starcross
5: Exeter – Crediton via Newton St Cyres
21: Barnstaple – Bideford via Yelland
21B: Barnstaple – Ilfracombe via Braunton
57: Exeter to Exmouth via Topsham
Single tickets will cost no more than £3. If you’re making multiple journeys after 7pm, you could save money with a Stagecoach Niterider ticket for £4.50.Full timetables are available on the Stagecoach website.