Major bus timetable shake-up announced for North Devon starting summer 2025

Bus operator Stagecoach South West has announced a number of service changes set to take effect across the region from late summer 2025, including multiple alterations in North Devon. 

The adjustments are said to improve reliability, match services more closely with passenger usage, and maintain access to key destinations.

The revised routes and timetables follow joint work with Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council, and Cornwall Council, with funding from the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan. 

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Stagecoach says customer and community feedback has also informed the changes.

Peter Knight, Managing Director at Stagecoach South West, said: “These changes are the result of listening to feedback and working in partnership with local authorities. Our goal is to provide better journeys for more people, with improved punctuality and new travel options that reflect real demand across the region.”

Timetable changes will be implemented from August 31. 

Changes to North Devon services include:

• Service 6 (Okehampton – Bude)

The 1805 College Days Only journey from Okehampton to Bude will be withdrawn due to low demand.

• Service 14 (Bideford to Goaman Estate Circular)

Minor timetable adjustments to support punctuality.

The 0955 journey will now depart at 1005 due to changes on Service 16.

• Service 16 (Bideford to Westward Ho! / Appledore)

The 0911 journey from Kenwith Castle will start from Bideford Quay at 0910.

• Services 21 and 21A (Barnstaple to Westward Ho! and Appledore via Bideford)

A combined 15-minute frequency will continue to operate off-peak Monday to Friday throughout the autumn and winter, funded by Devon County Council.

• Service 21C (Barnstaple to Croyde Bay / Georgeham via Braunton)

Additional journeys will continue until 20 September 2025, after which the low season timetable resumes.

Sunday and Public Holiday service will operate until 14 September 2025.

• Service 31 (Ilfracombe to Woolacombe – Mortehoe Circular)

Sunday and Public Holiday timetable will remain in place until 14 September 2025.

• Service 71 (Barnstaple to Great Torrington via Newton Tracey)

The 1455 weekday journey from Barnstaple to Torrington School will now run at 1445.

• Service 75 (Londonderry Farm to Great Torrington via Bideford)

The 0810 schoolday duplicate from Bideford to Torrington School will be withdrawn.

• Service 317 will offer an alternative and combined capacity is expected to meet demand.

• Service 301 (Barnstaple to Combe Martin)

Sunday and Public Holiday timetable will remain in place until 14 September 2025.

• Service 303 (Barnstaple to Woolacombe)

The 1750 Saturday journey from Barnstaple to Woolacombe continues until 25 October 2025.

The first journey from Woolacombe will depart five minutes earlier to align with changes to Petroc college times.

• Services 309/310 (Barnstaple to Lynton / Lynmouth)

Sunday and Public Holiday timetable will run until 14 September 2025.

• Service 317 (Bideford to Okehampton)

The 0700 weekday journey from Okehampton will now leave at 0655.

The 0820 schoolday journey from Bideford to Okehampton will depart at 0810 and serve Great Torrington School.

• Service 319 (Barnstaple to Hartland via Bideford, Ford, Woolsery and Clovelly)

Schoolday journeys will no longer serve Atlantic Academy. The school holiday timetable will now apply on schooldays as well.

• Service 372 (Barnstaple to Bradworthy / Holsworthy via Bideford and Littleham)

Minor timetable changes for improved reliability.

The 1450 journey from Bradworthy will depart at 1455.

• Service 641 (Bideford to Holsworthy via Great Torrington and Shebbear)

The 0905 departure from Bideford will now leave at 0910.

The 1330 journey from Holsworthy will now depart at 1340.

School services:

• Service 815 (Park School)

Minor route change via Gratton Way and Old Torrington Road.

Service 819 and 919 (Atlantic Academy)

• These services will be withdrawn as Atlantic Academy will provide alternative transport. Passengers are advised to contact the school for other travel options.

• Service 821, 903, 904 and 921 (Park School and Pilton Community College)

Minor timing adjustments for improved punctuality.

For full timetables and further details on the service changes, passengers are encouraged to check the Stagecoach website or contact customer service directly.