New powers a 'golden opportunity' for Devon buses

-Credit: (Image: Exeter City Council)
-Credit: (Image: Exeter City Council)


Devon County Council has been urged to take full advantage of new "bus revolution" plans recently announced by the UK government. This could include bringing the county's services back into public ownership for the first time in nearly 40 years.

The new measures were announced by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh earlier this summer and laid out before Parliament today (September 9). She said she planned to give every local authority the power take control of their bus services through franchising or public ownership.

Currently, around 80 per cent of Devon's bus services are commercially run by Stagecoach. The remainder what's known as 'Supported Services', which are tendered to various companies and subsidised by Devon County Council, who control the timetable, route and fares.

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Exeter City Council's leader Phil Bialyk, who is also a former bus driver, is now calling on Devon County Council to make use of the proposed legislation when it comes into force. He says he is inundated with requests from locals in the city for a better and more reliable service.

Cllr Bialyk said: "We have lots of problems at the moment. Pointing fingers isn’t going to help, but it is fair to say a lot of people are pretty fed up with both the service and how changes are consulted on with things like timetables and routes.

"Having a reliable and affordable bus service really is at the heart of so many parts of improving lives for residents in Exeter. So many other things hang on getting this sorted.

"Now there is nothing in their way, I want Devon to be one of the first to sort this for people."

The government has launched a consultation on draft guidance for local leaders who are considering bringing bus services into public control. It's hoped that this will speed up the process and bring down costs.

Cllr Bialyk says he plans to write to Devon County Council, urging them to take advantage of the new powers. He said: "This really is a golden opportunity. I am urging Devon to work at pace and scale to deliver this for our residents."