Stagecoach say they would hope to see more night buses being funded
The firm hope the success of a Saturday night bus in some areas could be replicated
Stagecoach says it hopes to add more late-night weekend bus routes - after this week unveiling a new route to Cranbrook near Exeter.
It follows routes - funded by the police and crime commissioner - across North Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
The night buses were first launched in 2023 as a Christmas service and then also a summer service before being expanded in 2025 to include seven new routes and operating from May to December.
Peter Knight, the MD of Stagecoach South West, said: "Communities across Devon and Cornwall have got a wish list and they've been in touch with the police and crime commissioner.
"We'd encourage communities that do have an interest to get in touch and we'll assess each one on its merits."
It comes as the service from Exeter to Dawlish has been scrapped due to low passenger numbers with a new provider still being sought in the hope of reinstating the popular summer night bus in Newquay.
Since May 2025, just over 16,200 passengers across Devon and Cornwall – an average of 530 passengers every Saturday night – have taken advantage of the maximum £3 fare to travel on a night bus.
It is hoped that the route for Cranbrook – which has a fast-growing population due to the expansion of the town – will prove just as popular.
Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “Being the main funder of these late-night buses is something I’m really proud of, and I’m delighted to add Cranbrook to the list of communities who now have a safe way to stay out late without worrying about the cost of a taxi or making a bad decision to drive after having a drink.
“The buses are helping people to go straight home rather than hanging around on the streets after leaving a venue, which has led to a reduction in antisocial behaviour and violence. It’s a win-win for communities and people out in the night-time economy, so helping this to continue for 2026 was a very easy decision for my office to make.”