New night bus service to improve safety in Torbay

Late-night bus services are set to return to Torbay as part of a wider rollout across Devon, aimed at improving safety and accessibility for those enjoying the night-time economy.

Stagecoach South West will launch nine new night bus routes across the region, including two serving Torbay from 31 May 2025. The move follows successful trials in Torquay and North Devon and is being supported by Devon and Cornwall Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and other local partners.

The services will run every Saturday night into Sunday morning, with the trial period continuing until 20 December. Extra journeys are planned for Friday 19 December and New Year’s Eve.

The Torbay routes include:

Service 12 (Torquay – Paignton – Brixham): Departing Torquay Pavilion hourly from 00:30 to 03:30, with return services from Brixham starting at 00:59. These journeys will not extend to Newton Abbot.

Service 22 (St Marychurch – Paignton – South Devon College): Departing St Marychurch at 00:05, 01:35 and 03:05, with return services from South Devon College beginning at 00:46.

The initiative aims to reduce drink- and drug-related incidents, anti-social behaviour, and violence against women and girls by offering a safe and affordable travel option after hours.

Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “We are proud to be part of an initiative that provides a safe and affordable evening travel option for customers. It is a great example of our ongoing commitment to serving the needs of residents and where required working with partners to achieve that goal. We hope to see a similar positive impact for the community that has been seen in Torquay and North Devon previously.””

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “I am delighted that my office will once again fund this fantastic service and help even more people get home safely after a night out. I need people to use these services to show it is commercially viable to ensure it becomes a mainstay of having a night out.

“The extension of the night bus service to include seven new routes will be a fantastic boost to our evening and night time economy, encouraging residents and visitors alike to relax and enjoy socialising in Exeter, Plymouth, Newquay, Torbay and North Devon without worrying about the expense of a taxi, or having a designated driver.

“Night buses in Devon and Cornwall have been proven to be a great success, reducing crime and antisocial behaviour and making people feel safer – with the added benefit of allowing them to get home for less than the cost of a pint or a glass of wine.”

Stagecoach South West is encouraging residents and visitors to use the services regularly during the trial to ensure their long-term viability.

Full route information and timetables can be found on the Stagecoach South West website.