Newton Abbot Night Bus to launch this weekend to improve safety across South Devon
Stagecoach will begin operating a new Saturday night bus route linking Newton Abbot and Torquay, with officials saying the service could help reduce drink driving and antisocial behaviour
A new late-night bus service linking Newton Abbot and Torquay will launch this weekend as part of efforts to improve safety and support the night-time economy across South Devon.
The new weekend number 12 night bus service, operated by Stagecoach, will begin running this Saturday, May 30.
The service will operate on Saturday nights between Newton Abbot and Torquay into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Devon & Cornwall Police said the route forms part of the wider night bus scheme designed to reduce drink and drug driving, antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls.
Alcohol Licensing Sergeant Dave Flynn said: “We welcome this extra Saturday night bus service as a great community boost.
“The affordable and reliable night bus has been shown to reduce anti-social behaviour, drink/drug drive related incidents and violence against women and girls.”
He added: “I encourage anyone who is enjoying a night out in the Newton Abbot area to consider using the new night bus service on a Saturday night or early hours of Sunday to get them home safely.”
The new route follows feedback from passengers and local communities and is funded by Torbay Council.
Councillor Hayley Tranter said extending the route into Newton Abbot would help more people travel home safely after evenings out and support workers travelling late at night.
She said: “A strong night-time economy relies on safe and reliable transport and this night bus service is an important part of that.”
Night buses were first trialled in Devon in 2023 during Christmas and summer periods.
More than 28,500 passengers have since used the services, with numbers expected to reach 30,000 by the end of May.
Across Devon, night bus services now operate year-round on Saturday nights in areas including Torquay, Plymouth, Exeter, Cranbrook and North Devon.
The wider initiative is funded by the Devon and Cornwall Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with councils, businesses and emergency services.
Journeys are capped at a maximum fare of £3.