Easter Monday bus change to fix pass issue for Bere Peninsula travellers

A bus timetable serving the Bere Peninsula is set to be revised next Monday (April 5) following concerns from residents about access to concessionary travel.

The change affects the Stagecoach Route 87 service through Bere Ferrers and Bere Alston, where passengers have been unable to use bus passes due to the timing of a morning service.

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Bere Ferrers Parish Council said it was first contacted by residents in November 2025 after a timetable change meant the bus arrived before 9.30am, meaning concessionary passes would not be valid.

Bere Ferrers Parish Clerk, Caroline Metcalf, said the issue centred on the stop at the Edgcumbe Hotel in Bere Alston.

“Prior to that change, and as it has now reverted, the timed stop at the Edgcumbe Hotel in Bere Alston was at 09:30, allowing residents to use their bus passes,” she said.

“I am unsure how many residents were affected, but I know a number of people regularly boarded the bus at that time specifically to take advantage of their pass.”

The parish council raised the issue with Devon County Council through council representative for Yelverton Rural, Michael Fife Cook.

“It’s time for some good news, and this week it has been shown that when we all work

together, even a small change can make a really big difference for some. 

“I would like to thank all those who, beavering away in the background, have helped to overcome a problem involving the timing of buses in Bere Ferrers and Bere Alston,” Cllr Fife Cook said.

Ms Metcalf said the authority had been told the Edgcumbe stop was removed as a timing point by Stagecoach due to concerns about buses waiting in a busy area.

“The area is particularly busy for parking, with the Co-op store located adjacent to the stop,” she said.

Devon County Council then discussed the issue with the bus operator to explore possible changes to the service.

“Stagecoach only implements timetable changes twice a year due to the complexity of scheduling and to avoid frequent alterations,” Ms Metcalf added.

She said the timetable is due to revert to its previous timing from Easter Monday (April 5), allowing passengers to once again use concessionary passes on the popular morning service.

The parish council said the change follows ongoing discussions between residents, councillors and transport authorities.