Torbay bus routes in line for £220k council subsidy

A report said the funding would ensure a "secure and stable" bus network

Bus services in Torbay are set to receive further council funding to ensure they keep running.

Torbay Council's cabinet committee agreed a one-off payment of £220,000 to subsidise 10 routes until March 2032 after the current contract expires next month.

A report to the committee said the funding would provide a "secure and stable" bus network for residents.

It said bus use had still not returned to pre-Covid levels.

However, the report noted nearly a quarter of households in Torbay did not have private vehicles and a similar proportion of households have a disabled resident affecting their ability to travel.

'Socially necessary'

The population over 65 and entitled to a free bus pass was well above the national average, it said.

Councils are expected to subsidise services where they are "socially necessary" but not run by commercial operators.

The Conservative cabinet had already decided to spend £150,000 on the services but £70,000 was added to the final budget.

It still needs to be approved by the full council.