Seven new night bus routes for the South West

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said night buses could become a "a mainstay of having a night out"

Seven new routes have been added to the night bus service across the South West.

The Saturday night/Sunday morning service, set up by the police and supported by local councils, was first trialled during Christmas 2023.

The night bus service, provided by Stagecoach in Devon and First Bus in Newquay, would operate on Saturdays "in a bid to reduce drink and drug-related incidents", Devon and Cornwall Police said.

New routes in Plymouth and Exeter between 31 May and 31 December will be introduced alongside a longer Newquay service running until 6 September.

'Fantastic boost'

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said its use could become a "a mainstay of having a night out".

She said: "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 anti-social behaviour and making people feel safer."

Insp Nathan Johnson, from the Exeter Neighbourhood Team, said: "Exeter is a safe city, although like other towns and cities, it has its challenges.

"By acknowledging these issues and working in partnership, we can identify the best solutions for our community.

"The data from previous night buses in other areas in the force suggest we will see a drop in drink-driving and anti-social behaviour and I welcome its introduction into Exeter."

Steve Johnson, Newquay sector inspector, said when the night bus service was provided in summer 2024 they saw a drop in crime and anti-social behaviour.