Stagecoach announces changes to West Devon bus routes

Stagecoach has announced a series of changes to its bus routes in and around Exeter, aimed at improving reliability, punctuality, and meeting passenger demand.

These changes will happen from September 1.

Service 5/5A/5B/5C (Exeter – Crediton / Okehampton / Barnstaple / Chumleigh)

One of the most notable changes is to Service 5, which connects Exeter with Crediton, Okehampton, Barnstaple, and Chumleigh. 

In response to a review of passenger demand between Exeter and Crediton, the frequency of buses from Monday to Saturday will be adjusted to every 30 minutes. 

This change is designed to enhance the service's punctuality and reliability.

Additionally, passengers on Service 5A will no longer need to change buses at North Tawton during certain times of the day, as buses will now operate through.

On Service 5B, the 16.30pm Monday to Friday journey from Exeter to Barnstaple will now depart at 16.45pm and take a new route via Morchard Road instead of North Tawton and Bow.

To accommodate the needs of Exeter College students and daily commuters, most Service 5B journeys will now be operated by double-decker buses, providing additional capacity. 

Moreover, buses on this route will begin using the new bus gate on New North Road, directing journeys towards Exeter Bus Station via Sidwell Street and discontinuing service to Longbrook Street and York Road.

Service 6A (Exeter – Okehampton)

Similar changes will be made to Service 6A, which connects Exeter and Okehampton. 

Buses on this route will also utilise the new bus gate on New North Road, following the same revised path as Service 5.

Several schedule adjustments are planned, including the withdrawal of the 07.30am (Mon-Fri), 11.05am, 14.05pm (Mon-Sat), and 17.05pm (Sat) journeys from Exeter to Okehampton. However, a new 13.05pm journey will be introduced from Monday to Friday. 

Additionally, the 08.47am Saturday journey from Whiddon Down to Okehampton will be discontinued.

For those traveling from Okehampton to Exeter, the 12.30pm and 15.30pm (Mon-Sat) and 06.40am and 09.30am (Sat) journeys will be withdrawn, with the 18.30pm Monday to Friday service now departing at 18.45pm.

Service 6B (Tavistock – Okehampton)

Stagecoach is introducing a new Service 6B, which will run one journey in each direction from Tavistock to Okehampton, Monday to Friday. 

This service will provide connections to and from Service 6A, allowing for travel to and from Exeter. 

The bus will depart from Tavistock to Okehampton at 08.40am and return from Okehampton to Tavistock at 14.20pm.