Devon’s night bus, aimed at reducing drink driving, plans commercial operation by 2026 after successful trials and funding.
Police started it, and local councils aided it. The police commissioner also helped. It ran Christmas 2023 and for six months after that. Stagecoach operated the bus service, running it between Bideford and Barnstaple, and also to Ilfracombe.
The bus stopped at other places too, including Instow, Yelland, Fremington, Chivenor, plus Braunton. The council agreed to help pay costs, giving £3,000 from May to September 2025. Devon County Council will pay £2,000, and Torridge District Council is giving £2,500. Vision Zero South West also gives money.
The committee learned people used it a lot; about 250 people used it New Year’s Eve. Crime went down in Barnstaple, and anti-social behavior fell by a third when the bus ran last year. Drink driving went down by ten percent then.
Stagecoach thinks it can make money by 2026, so councils won’t need to pay then. Fares are going up from £2 to £3, partly due to government subsidies ending. One council member said the rise matters, but it’s still cheaper than a taxi.
Another said the bus helps people get home safe and called it a good thing. They need to advertise the bus better; pubs and clubs need to know. Police speak to street pastors, which helps at the bus stops, because street pastors won’t leave vulnerable people alone. They want to work with the police more.
The report said people are more at risk, especially when alcohol’s involved. Night buses are safer than taking lifts, especially rides from strangers.