Safe Bus ready to support Plymouth's new students during Freshers' Week

Safe Bus ready to support Plymouth's new students during Freshers' Week

People enjoying Plymouth's nightlife are being reminded that the Safe Bus is available to provide support, medical assistance and a safe space for anyone who needs help on a night out.

As thousands of students arrive in the city to begin their university journey from Monday 21 September, the static bus service will be up and running extra nights throughout Freshers' Week.

It will be located at Derry’s Cross roundabout (outside TimberVault) between 11pm - 5am and staffed by a team of paramedics, security guards and nearby taxi marshals.

The Safe Bus is there to support anyone on a night out, offering medical care, phone charging facilities, drinking water and practical assistance to help people get home safely.

The solar-powered bus also includes an onboard toilet and carries spare clothing and other essentials for those who need them.

PC Deb Hart, who supports with the running of the Safe Bus, said: “From medical care to something as simple as needing some water, the bus and staff are here to help anyone who needs it. The Safe Bus is there to support anyone on a night out.

“Plymouth remains a safe, fun and vibrant place in the evenings, but we know how important it is to provide a safe space if people are in need of support or if things don’t quite go as planned.

"With the influx of new students from across the country, we want to make sure as many of them as possible know about the bus and how it can help if they need it."

Between April 2024 and March 2026, the Safe Bus welcomed more than 1,300 people on board.

More than half of those visitors received treatment from onboard paramedics, helping to reduce pressure on ambulance services by an estimated 400 call-outs.

Around 500 people used the service for general support from the team, including assistance getting home safely, charging their phone or simply taking a break from the nightlife environment.

Following Freshers’ Week, the bus will return to its regular Saturday deployment, with revised operating hours of 11pm to 5am.

Plymouth Citybus supported the police in acquiring the bus. The partners involved in funding the initiative include University of Plymouth, Safer Streets 4, Victim Support and Plymouth City Council.

Partners involved in the weekly running of the bus include Best Bar None, the NHS and Western Medical Services.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "The Safe Bus is an excellent example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to keep people safe and supported on a night out.

"Through funding this initiative, we are helping to provide immediate practical and medical assistance to those who need it, while also reducing pressure on our emergency services.

"As thousands of students arrive in Plymouth for Freshers' Week, I want them to know that support is available should they need it. The Safe Bus plays an important role in helping people stay safe and enjoy everything the city has to offer."

Cat Macdonald, Coordinator for Best Bar None in Plymouth said: “Plymouth’s licensed venues take the safety and wellbeing of their customers seriously and the Safe Bus complements the work already taking place across the city.

"It provides additional support for anyone who may need help during a night out, from medical assistance and a safe space to practical help getting home safely. Best Bar None is delighted to support the service and help ensure students and the wider community know that this support is available if they need it.”