Stagecoach extend bus routes to ease rail closure

Stagecoach South West announced today that, for the duration of the Dawlish railway closure, it is extending its ‘Exeter Plus’ Dayrider and Megarider Zone to include Dawlish.

The change is effective immediately and means that a week of unlimited bus travel between Dawlish and Exeter costs just £20, reducing the cost of a weekly ticket by a quarter.

The operator hopes that that move will help ease travel problems for local residents commuting between Dawlish and Exeter by encouraging people not to resort to their cars on the busy A379 route.

Michael Watson, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, commented “I’ve recently moved to Dawlish so I’ve seen first-hand the devastation caused by the recent storms and I wanted to find some way we could help out.

“I hope that by introducing this extension to the ‘Exeter Plus’ zone it will help ease the pressure on rail replacement services and give residents more options when planning their journeys into Exeter.”

Michael added “In addition, I am currently liaising with Teignbridge council about offering residents who have been displaced from their homes free travel on our bus services.

“I can’t imagine how they’re feeling at the moment and I know it’s a small gesture but I sincerely hope it may help them a little as they get back on their feet.”

Emma Kay, Town Centre Development Manager for Dawlish, said “The impact that the weather has had on our town has been devastating for some families.

“There has been a great community spirit and Stagecoach is adding to this by providing free transport for those most affected and finding a way to provide reduced travel for locals getting to Exeter.”

The temporary extension adds another 8.5 miles onto the existing Exminster boundary and also includes Dawlish Warren, Starcross and Kenton.

Hop2 is the principle bus service for the area and runs up to every 20 minutes, 7 days a week from early in the morning until late in the evening. Providing a direct link straight to the heart of Exeter, the service also passes by County Hall and the Royal, Devon & Exeter Hospital.

Local residents can also use the Hop11 and B bus routes which provide additional links to Dawlish Warren, Marsh Barton and Exeter Business Park.

Customers can buy ‘Exeter Plus’ Dayrider and 1 week Megarider tickets from their bus driver. 4 week tickets are available online (www.stagecoachbus.com/southwest) or in the Travelshop located at Exeter bus station.