Bus company rolls out new fleet in North Devon

A transport group has announced the launch of a new fleet of buses set to operate in North Devon, aiming to enhance local transport services and reduce emissions. 

Stagecoach South West has introduced 12 brand-new single-deck Optare ‘Solo’ buses, reflecting an investment of over £1.5 million. 

These buses will replace older vehicles and serve key routes from Barnstaple, including newly awarded services to Lynton, Lynmouth, and Woolacombe.

Following a successful tender by Devon County Council, the new buses will operate on Service 303 between Barnstaple and Woolacombe and on the 309/310 routes to Lynton and Lynmouth. 

The new vehicles will offer a more comfortable travel experience for passengers; the buses are fitted with high-specification modern interiors, with contemporary grey e-leather seats, wood style flooring and USB charging. They will also feature next-stop audio and visual announcements to inform passengers as they approach each bus stop and the ultimate destination of the bus.

Stagecoach South West’s Managing Director, Peter Knight, stated: “We’re delighted to bring brand-new buses to North Devon, including three vehicles that highlight ‘rail link’ onward journey connection opportunities available from Barnstaple Railway Station with Great Western Railway. This investment of over £1.5million demonstrates our commitment to investing in North Devon and follows the commencement of new services in our wider North Devon bus network. These enhancements allow us to offer a wider range of journey opportunities, connecting people to the places that they need to get to the most.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: "Stagecoach should be applauded for this latest investment in bus services in the county and these additions to their north Devon fleet will be warmly welcomed by passengers who will be able to enjoy the upgraded facilities on these new buses. We look forward to working with Stagecoach on these routes."

Stagecoach has announced that the arrival of these new buses marks a significant step toward reducing the average age of its North Devon fleet, ahead of a broader electric vehicle rollout in 2025, which will kickstart the company’s journey toward fleet decarbonisation.

This will Include 20 brand new electric buses for the North Devon bus network. 

The transport group say this is thanks to the successful Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) funding from the Department for Transport (DFT) of £2.5million with £8.4 million of private investment from Stagecoach.