Stagecoach announces new child bus tickets for Devon as MP raises concerns over fare hikes

Stagecoach has announced that it will be supporting families with a new range of child tickets.

The Gazette understands that the tickets will be available through the Stagecoach app from 31 August.

Stagecoach South West has confirmed it will be launching a new selection of child tickets at the end of August, aimed at making travel more affordable for families across the region.

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The move follows recent fare adjustments and comes just a week after North Devon’s MP launched a petition opposing changes to Stagecoach bus fares. 

North Devon MP, Ian Roome claimed the company has introduced a “stealth price increase” by scrapping child return fares on several local routes, a change he says has led to an 80 per cent rise in school travel costs for some families.

Stagecoach has now announced it will introduce a wider variety of ticket options for children from 31 August 2025, including 7 Day, 28 Day, Flexi 5 and Flexi 10 passes.

The Gazette understands the new tickets will offer unlimited daily travel from as little as £2 in areas such as Barnstaple, Exeter and Plymouth, with the bus company saying this move will help parents manage both school and leisure journeys more affordably.

The new Flexi passes are designed for both regular school-goers and occasional travellers. Flexi 5 and Flexi 10 allow travel on any five or ten individual days and can save families up to 30 per cent compared with the cost of single day tickets.

All passes will be available exclusively via the Stagecoach app, which also includes a gifting option for parents and carers.

Peter Knight, Managing Director at Stagecoach South West, said: “We’re committed to making travel more accessible and affordable for local families. By expanding our child ticket range, we’re giving parents and carers more flexibility, better value, and the peace of mind that comes with smart, app-based travel solutions.”

Stagecoach has also confirmed the existing Term Rider ticket will be renamed the College Term Ticket, available to students aged 16 and over who are in full-time education.

In addition, child single fares will be accessible through the app, following the success of a previous digital ticket trial for adult passengers.

Fare highlights by zone:

Barnstaple, Exeter & Plymouth

• Day Ticket: £3.60
• Best Value: As low as £2 per day with a 28 Day Ticket
• Flexi 10: £2.54/day (30% saving)

Torbay

• Day Ticket: £4.60
• Best Value: As low as £2.50/day with a 28 Day Ticket
• Flexi 10: £3.23/day

South West Zone

• Day Ticket: £6.60
• Best Value: As low as £3.49/day with a 28 Day Ticket
• Flexi 10: £4.62/day

While Stagecoach says occasional fare increases are sometimes necessary to maintain service levels, the company states the updated ticket range is expected to deliver better value than private school transport or paying for travel on an ad hoc basis, particularly for pupils attending schools outside of their catchment area.