Electric bus upgrade forces major route changes in Torquay

New electric buses on routes in Torquay will no longer be able to serve two narrow streets in St Marychurch – because they will be too big to squeeze through.

From the beginning of next month the 35A bus will no longer serve Park Road while the 35C will no longer serve Hartop Road. It will use nearby St Marychurch Road instead.

Bus operator Stagecoach says the changes are necessary so its new buses can operate safely and reliably. 

Managing director Peter Knight explained: “The issue is primarily one of vehicle size. The new electric buses are larger than the previous diesel vehicles that operated this service.

“Operating buses of this size on those roads would create safety and reliability issues, particularly when passing parked vehicles.”

The company is delivering 55 zero-emission buses across Torbay, providing cleaner, quieter and more sustainable travel.

Stagecoach says the changes are part of a major investment in cleaner public transport, with a fleet of brand new electric buses entering service across Torbay. The project will put the bay at the forefront of greener public transport, it says.

Managing director Peter Knight said: “This is a significant step forward for public transport in Torbay and across Devon. While this route change is necessary to allow the new vehicles to operate safely, our priority remains with our customers.

“We would like to thank everyone for their understanding as we introduce cleaner, quieter buses to the network.”

The changes to the St Marychurch services will take effect from February 1.

Stagecoach is now working with Torbay Council to review the 35 route and consider whether any additional bus stops may be possible.