Plymouth and Dartmoor bus concerns raised as Devon MP presses Government and Stagecoach

Rebecca Smith MP has questioned the Government in Parliament about local bus services and held talks with Stagecoach to raise concerns about reliability and access across South West Devon.

Speaking during oral questions to the Department for Transport, the MP asked what action is needed locally for the Bus Services Act to bring real improvements to rural communities. 

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She highlighted ongoing issues raised by residents, including service reliability and gaps in routes.

After the parliamentary session, Ms Smith met with Stagecoach’s Managing Director to discuss progress since their last meeting. 

The discussion included recent changes to fare zones, which have reduced travel costs for some passengers. 

Ms Smith has previously raised concerns about fare increases affecting families in West Devon and Dartmoor communities.

She also raised concerns about young people travelling from villages, and the lack of a direct bus route serving Plymouth railway station.

Stagecoach said staffing levels have improved and that this should lead to more reliable services. 

The company also agreed to continue meeting regularly with the MP to review progress and respond to concerns.

In December, The Moorlander reported on Ms Smith and Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP holding talks with Stagecoach after families in Dartmoor and West Devon reported sharp price rises and last-minute timetable changes.

The meeting followed earlier pressure from MPs over fare increases and service changes introduced before the start of the school term last year.

Stagecoach later confirmed that new 10-mile fare zones will be introduced across Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and North Devon from early January 2026. 

While welcoming the Government’s announcement of multi-year bus funding for local councils, Ms Smith said funding alone would not solve existing problems.

She said:

“I welcome the multi-year bus funding announced for our local councils, but without clear communication and coordination between local authorities, the Bus Services Act will not deliver the improvements passengers expect.”

Ms Smith said she will continue to raise the issue in Parliament and work with Stagecoach to press for improvements. 

She also encouraged residents experiencing problems with local bus services to contact her office.