Devon residents to get free bus travel

In celebration of National Car Free Day, residents and visitors to Devon will enjoy free bus travel on selected routes on 22 September.

This initiative, organised through the DevonBus Partnership and supported by Devon County Council and Torbay Council, includes services from Stagecoach, Tally Ho, Dartline, Torbay Buses, and Filers Travel. 

The funding for this event comes through the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

The offer aims to encourage the use of buses for leisure purposes, allowing people to explore their local areas, visit family and friends, and appreciate Devon's coast and countryside without the burden of transport costs. 

The event is part of Outdoor September, promoting outdoor activities and sustainable travel.

Stagecoach South West Managing Director Peter Knight said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to residents thanks to funding from the DfT through Devon County Council. We recognise the importance of highlighting the benefits of bus travel for both the environment and making it easier for people to travel. By providing free Sunday travel, we hope to reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and connect residents to their local outdoor spaces.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “The DevonBus Partnership was established to help people across Devon and this offer of free bus travel highlights what can be achieved by working together. It’s an opportunity for everyone to try the free Sunday bus services, whether it’s for a leisurely day out, to go shopping or to visit family and friends. Hopefully this event will encourage more people in the county to become regular bus passengers.”

Routes Included in the Free Sunday Travel Offer:

• Dartmoor and surrounding areas:
• 1 Plymouth – Yelverton – Tavistock Bus Station
• 6 Okehampton – Holsworthy – Bude
• 6A Okehampton – Cheriton Bishop – Exeter
• 38 Ivybridge – Bovey Tracey – Chudleigh – Exeter
• 39 Exeter – Bovey Tracey – Newton Abbot
• 118 Okehampton – Tavistock (operated by Dartline)
• GOLD Plymouth – Ivybridge – Totnes – Paignton

Bus routes in the Plymouth area (except for the 1 and GOLD services) are excluded. 

Detailed information about the specific routes and timetables can be found on the Stagecoach South West website. 

Additionally, all bus journeys from Monday to Saturday remain capped at a £2 single fare until December 2024.