More than £1.5m spent on new Devon buses

The single-decker vehicles will serve areas of north Devon including Barnstaple

New single-decker buses have been brought to north Devon as part of an investment of more than £1.5m.

Stagecoach South West said the Optare Solo buses would replace older vehicles on routes out of Barnstaple, including new services being introduced for Lynton, Lynmouth and Woolacombe.

The bus operator said the vehicles would be used to boost journey numbers across the area and would offer a "more comfortable travel experience for passengers".

Peter Knight, managing director of Stagecoach South West, said the company was committed to investing in north Devon.

"These enhancements allow us to offer a wider range of journey opportunities, connecting people to the places that they need to get to the most," Mr Knight said.

'Upgraded facilities'

Stagecoach said features on the new buses included high-specification modern interiors, USB charging points and next-stop audio and visual announcements.

The new services which the buses are set to operate on are being launched following a successful tender from Devon County Council.

Councillor Andrea Davis, the authority's cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: "These additions to their north Devon fleet will be warmly welcomed by passengers who will be able to enjoy the upgraded facilities on these new buses."