Torbay Council agrees subsidies to support local bus services

Torbay Council has confirmed its continued support for a number of local bus services across Torbay. The council has agreed to increase funding for 9 small bus routes relied upon by local communities. The routes are those that require council subsidies along with grant funding from central government to operate.

The council has awarded 8-year contracts to secure the future of the bus services for local people. The buses will provide access to key destinations and facilities, support the local economy, and avoid members of the community becoming isolated.

The following bus routes have been awarded contracts for the next 8 years, commencing 1 April:

• Route 17a - Brixham Town Centre – Furzeham – Wall Park Road – Halfway House
• Route 25 - Morrisons – Paignton Town Centre – Paignton Harbour – Youngs Park
• Route 60 - Paignton Town Centre – Shorton – Preston – Occombe Farm
• Route 61 - Torquay Town Centre – St Lukes Road – Livermead
• Route 62 - Torquay Harbour/Strand – Cockington – Chelston – Parkhill Road
• Route 64 - Torquay Town Centre – Higher Lincombe Road – Middle Warberry Road – Lower Warberry Road
• Route 65 - Torquay Town Centre – Babbacombe – St Marychurch – Hele – The Willows
• Route 108 and 109 - Paignton Town Centre – Colley End Road – Great Parks – Foxhole

Many of the routes will feature new buses with low floors and low emissions, cover wider areas, and will benefit from increased operating hours. These upgrades are great news for Torbay's public transport network and will support the bus service improvement plan.

The council's decision to support these local services will provide choice for the community as to how and when they travel. 

Cllr Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking for Torbay Council, said; “We recognise how important local buses are to our communities. The local bus network provides access to education, employment, supermarkets and many other facilities.

"It will be great to see the new, low emission, accessible buses serving our local communities across Torbay. These new buses, on smaller routes, will be a key element of our fully integrated public transport network.

"These are exciting times for public transport in Torbay with significant funding supporting real improvements. We're delighted to provide continued support for our local bus services and the communities they serve."