Devon school bus fare hikes draw MP scrutiny over rising costs for pupils

Rebecca Smith MP has held talks with Stagecoach, Devon County Council, and Sir Geoffrey Cox MP about the impact of recent bus fare increases and service changes on schoolchildren across Devon.

The meeting, which took place last week, focused on the challenges faced by families following higher travel costs and adjustments to local bus services.

According to Ms Smith, many parents are concerned about the financial strain, particularly for pupils travelling to school and college.

A key issue raised was the uncertainty surrounding long-term government funding for subsidised school and post-16 transport.

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Devon County Council does not yet know how much money it will receive from central government after March 2026, when current funding arrangements are due to end.

Without this clarity, council leaders say it is difficult to plan or commit to future subsidies.

Rebecca said she would continue to press ministers for answers on the matter.

She also confirmed she would be contacting local schools to find out how many students are affected.

This information will then be shared with the council to help determine what funding options may be available and whether schools themselves could play a role in easing the pressure on families.

Local parents have also expressed their frustrations online.

One wrote: “I had to abandon the buses for the time being as they’ve caused my children to be late. It shocks me that they get away with charging ridiculous ticket prices and then can’t even provide the service! £245 for a term to not even be able to catch the bus due to the complete unreliability of them. Our first experience of having to use buses to access their further education and it’s a pretty poor (virtually non-existent) service!”

Another parent commented on the service between Plymouth and Tavistock: “The service from Stagecoach especially on the return from Plymouth to Tavistock is appalling. Out of 7 days my daughter has returned home from school after 6pm on 3 of those days. She finishes school at 3.30!
“Children are waiting for buses, the app says the bus is due but is a no show. Complaints are made to Stagecoach and you wait for a response. The service is not fit for purpose. Happy to attend any consultation if parents’ voices are needed.”

“I know these fare increases are putting real pressure on households,” Ms Smith said.

“I will continue to press both Stagecoach and Devon County Council for fairer, more affordable travel, and I’ll share any news as soon as I have it.”

Bus operator Stagecoach says it is reviewing fares and ticketing after concerns about recent changes, particularly for young people.

A spokesperson said: “We understand the strength of feeling about recent fare and ticket changes, particularly for young people in education. We are determined to explore every opportunity to make travel affordable and accessible for young people and the wider community.”

Service 1 was altered on 31 August 2025 to run via North Hill and Queen Anne Terrace instead of North Road East, giving more direct access to the University of Plymouth but meaning longer walks for some passengers.

The company said it is monitoring feedback and looking to improve punctuality and information. New travel updates will soon be available via text, email, push notifications and WhatsApp.

No immediate changes were announced following the meeting, but further discussions are expected as Devon County Council continues to assess its budget and future transport commitments.