North Devon night bus to return

Saturday night service back, and next year it could pay its way

A night bus in North Devon aimed at reducing drink driving and improving safety is expected to be run as a commercial service from next year.

The Saturday night/Sunday morning service, set up by the police and supported by local councils and the police and crime commissioner, was first trialled over Christmas 2023 and ran again from in the six months to the end of last year after it proved popular. Operated by Stagecoach, it ran between Bideford, Barnstaple and Ilfracombe.

It also stoped at Instow, Yelland, Fremington, Chivenor and Braunton.

North Devon Council’s strategy and resources committee has agreed to contribute £3,000 towards the costs from May to September 2025.

Devon County Council will pay £2,000 and Torridge District Council £2,500.

The service is also financially supported by road safety partnership Vision Zero South West.

The committee was told that the service was well used, with around 250 passengers on New Year’s Eve.

Crime and anti-social behaviour fell by a third in Barnstaple when the bus ran last year, and drink driving fell 10 per cent.

The council’s service manager for environmental health, Darren Littlejohns, said Stagecoach expects the scheme to be commercially viable from 2026. Council and other partners will no longer need to contribute when this happens.

Government subsidised fares are rising from £2 to £3.

Cllr Ricky Knight (Green, Heanton Punchardon) said a 50 per cent rise is a lot, but it is still cheaper than a taxi.

Cllr Caroline Leaver (Lib Dem, Newport) said the numbers of passengers spoke for themselves and this was a good way of getting people home safely after they had a drink.

“It’s important this bus is there as standard. The worst we can do is interrupt the service as that would have negative impact and it’s great that it is moving towards commercial viability.”

Cllr Pru Maskell (Braunton West and Georgeham) said it had been invaluable, especially for young women, but she said advertising needs to be better in pubs and clubs so everyone is aware.

Members were told that communications is good between police and street pastors in Barnstaple in the event of problems at bus stops.

Cllr Julie Hunt (Lib Dem, Marwood) who is also a street pastor, said pastors would not leave anyone vulnerable alone and would appreciate more liaison with the police to make sure everyone gets safely onto buses.

A report for the committee said that people on nights out ith alcohol, people and especially women and girls are more at risk of violence, and that using night buses is an alternative to more risky forms of travel such as taking lifts with strangers.