Major shake-up of Stagecoach bus fares welcomed for North Devon passengers

A major shake-up of North Devon bus fares has been welcomed with local passengers set to benefit from a new simplified approach.

Stagecoach South West has announced updates to its fare structure and ticket boundaries across the region, which it says will create a simpler, fairer and more consistent system for customers when it comes into force on January 4.

All previous pricing systems have been done away with to leave simplified fare zones of Greater Exeter, Plymouth, North Devon and Torbay.

In addition, Stagecoach will add a 10-mile radius buffer zone meaning passengers traveling just outside their local zone are will not be penalised.

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Under the new North Devon Zone, passengers who previously faced much higher prices than those living in Barnstaple will see significant reductions, particularly for students and regular commuters.

For example, a term time ticket for students anywhere within the North Devon zone will coast £312 from January 4 and not the £444 it had cost previously for many students.

Above: The new North Devon travel zone, which Stagecoach says will simplify fares. Credit: Stagecoach South West

It means some increase for students within the Barnstaple area, but will mean savings for those beyond who were paying more per term.

North Devon MP Ian Roome, who launched a petition against fare rises, has welcomed the move and said it is a ‘real win’ for bus users.

He said: “A huge thank you to the nearly 3,500 people who signed the petition, everyone who shared their stories with me and my office, and the local schools – including Ilfracombe Academy – who helped get the word out. This wouldn’t have happened without you.

“Affordable travel is so important for people getting to work, college, hospital appointments and the shops. January will still bring Stagecoach’s annual price rise, including in the old ‘Barnstaple Zone’, but I’ll keep pushing for fair, affordable fares.

“Ultimately though, this wider North Devon Zone finally ends the postcode lottery and makes bus travel cheaper for passengers, students and families right across North Devon.”

Examples of the new fares include: Barnstaple to South Molton, seven day ticket - adult: was £40, now £26, child; was £26.40, now £17.20.

Ilfracombe to Barnstaple, 28 day ticket, adult was £148, now £96.20 (child, was £97.70, now £63.50).

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Stagecoach says the ticket prices across the four zones have been aligned to provide a clear and consistent structure for customers.

The company said the new 10-mile local zones would make it easier for people to travel between communities, better reflecting travel patterns without crossing previous the fare boundaries, while flexible and season ticket options continue to offer value for money and unlimited travel.

Peter Knight, managing director of Stagecoach South West, said: “By making travelling by bus simpler and more consistent across the South West, we’re providing easier to understand fares together with better value for money regular and flexible travel; whilst offering attractive discounts for longer term travel.

“With an easy-to-use journey planner, customers will never pay more than they need, while our services continue to connect communities right across the South West. We’ve got you.”