Stagecoach announces significant timetable shakeup for North Devon

Bus provider Stagecoach has announced a significant timetable change for North Devon, effective from September 1. 

The service provider says these adjustments will offer a revamp to the current services in the region, with improvements aimed at enhancing the reliability and punctuality of bus routes across the area.

It will also mean the introduction of electric buses on some routes. 

Here are the key updates to Stagecoach’s bus services in North Devon starting September 1:

• Service 5B (Exeter – Barnstaple)

Buses will use the new bus gate on New North Road for journeys towards Exeter Bus Station via Sidwell Street and no longer serve Longbrook Street or York Road.

The 16.30pm Monday to Friday journey from Exeter to Barnstaple will depart 15 minutes and operate via Morchard Road instead of North Tawton and Bow.

To provide additional capacity for Exeter College students and commuters, the majority of journeys will now be operated by double decker buses.

• Service 6 (Okehampton - Bude)

Minor changes to the timetable to accommodate changes to the finish time at Budehaven School and to improve reliability and punctuality.

• Service 10/10A (Barnstaple Town Service – Gorwell Circular)

Minor timetable changes to improve the reliability and punctuality of buses.

• Service 19 (North Devon District Hospital to Roundswell via Town Centre)

The majority of evening departure times will change and passengers are encouraged to check the new timetable before travelling.

• Service 21/21A (Barnstaple to Westward Ho! / Appledore via Bideford)

There are a number of changes to Services 21 and 21A, designed to improve the reliability and punctuality of bus services, while also preparing the network for the introduction of brand new electric buses during 2025.

Service 21 will operate from Barnstaple Bus Station to Westward Ho! twice an hour on Monday to Saturday daytimes, hourly on Sunday and Public Holidays and every other hour during the evening.

Service 21A will operate from Barnstaple Bus Station to Appledore and hourly Monday to Saturdays and Sunday and Public Holidays and every other hour during the evening.

Services 21 and 21A combined will provide a 20 minute Monday to Saturday daytime frequency between Barnstaple and Northam via Bideford, a 30 minute frequency on Sunday and Public Holidays and a 60 minute frequency during the evening.

Some passengers currently making journeys on Services 21 and 21A, which involve travelling across Barnstaple will need to changes buses in Barnstaple Bus Station.

Westward Ho! will benefit from an additional journey opportunity each hour on Monday to Saturday daytimes, compared to previous Autumn and Winter timetables.

The reduction to the frequency of buses during the evening, better reflects passenger demand and ensures the service remains sustainable.

The current trial period Saturday night journeys connecting Barnstaple with Bideford between approximately 12am and 4am will end after operating on Saturday 7 September 2024.

Passengers currently using Services 21 and 21A for travel between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe should refer to new Service 21B for further details.