Newton Abbot bus concerns heard after ‘shambles’ roadworks in town cause delays

Newton Abbot Town Council says it will continue to speak up for bus users unhappy with delays and cancelled services.

Council members met the Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, Peter Knight, at Newton’s Place last Wednesday (25 February).

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They said residents had raised concerns about late and missed buses, charging zones, difficulty contacting helplines and problems with the company’s app not providing real-time information.

Mr Knight told councillors that although the company has few driver vacancies, receives local authority subsidies and is planning a £45 million investment in new vehicles, it cannot always guarantee timetables.

He said the main issue was “uncoordinated roadworks” and the “performance of the highway network”.

Describing the situation in Newton Abbot, Mr Knight said: “It’s a very very difficult set of circumstances, the roadworks in Newton Abbot. It’s a shambles really.”

He added: “The road network around here hasn’t been normal since about October. I’m sorry about the issues your constituents face.”

Councillors said the 77, 77A and 12 services were among those people felt most let down by.

Cllr Mike Ryan said the 77 had experienced delays of up to 90 minutes and sometimes did not arrive at all.

Former councillor Mike Hocking, now a Freeman of the town, said he and his partner had at times stopped using the 77A and taken taxis instead.

Mr Knight said the best way to deal with problems was to inform the company “as close to real time as possible”.

He also invited the council to appoint a representative to the DevonBus Enhanced Partnership (DBEP), which meets regularly to discuss services.

“We are very proud to serve our community,” he said, asking passengers not to direct anger at drivers, adding: “I beg you, not to take it out on them.”

Mayor Cllr Colin Parker thanked Mr Knight for attending and said the council would take up the offer to join the DBEP.

“We will speak up on behalf of Newton Abbot’s bus users and hope to work with you to improve services where needed,” he said.

Cllr Richard Buscombe, who chaired the meeting, said: “We want to have a long term relationship with you so would welcome you back here in future.”