30,000 passengers and counting - Devon night bus proves major success!

Devon & Cornwall Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Stagecoach and partners are celebrating the continued success of the Devon night bus service, which has now carried more than 30,000 passengers home safely since launching in December 2023.

Running on Saturday nights across key routes in Devon, the night bus offers a safe, reliable journey home for a maximum of £3—supporting the region’s evening and night-time economy while helping to reduce drink and drug driving, anti-social behaviour and serious offences, including violence against women and girls.

The scheme has continued to expand, with new routes introduced this year -  Exeter to Cranbrook via Monkerton and Newton Abbot to Brixham, via Torquay and Paignton - alongside the recent return of services in Cornwall.

Scheme co-ordinator, Sergeant David Flynn, of Devon & Cornwall Police said:
“We’re immensely proud of the impact the night bus has had. Carrying 30,000 passengers is a fantastic milestone and shows just how valuable the service is in helping people get home safely after a night out.

“The new routes are proving popular and it’s great to see the Cornwall service back up and running. We’d encourage anyone heading out on a Saturday night to make the most of this safe, affordable option.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez said: “It is an incredible achievement that the night bus services across Devon and Cornwall have ensured 30,000 passengers have safely got to and from home. 

“Due to high passenger numbers, my office has committed to continue being the main funder of night buses where they are most needed throughout 2026.  This would not have been possible without the support of our local transport providers.

“The services have contributed to a reduction in antisocial behaviour and violence as well as drink/drug drive cases.”

Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, added: 

"We're delighted to have played a part in helping more than 30,000 passengers get home safely since the night bus service launched. This milestone demonstrates the real value of providing affordable, reliable late-night transport for our communities.

"The continued growth of the scheme, including the introduction of new routes and the return of services in Cornwall, shows there is strong demand for safe travel options after a night out. By working closely with Devon & Cornwall Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and our partners, we're helping to support the region's evening and night-time economy while giving people a convenient alternative to driving.

"We look forward to continuing our support for this successful initiative and helping even more people travel safely across Devon and Cornwall."

Details of the night bus service, along with relevant timetables for both Devon and Cornwall can be found here: Night Buses | Devon & Cornwall Police