Stagecoach announces changes to North Devon network

• Bus operator confirms changes to network starting from Tuesday 29th March
• North Devon Wave 21/21A will operate a simplified route with 10 minute frequency along main corridor
• New express link (19) to be introduced connecting Appledore, Bideford, East-the-Water and Barnstaple with half hourly through links to North Devon District Hospital

Stagecoach South West has announced today that, starting Tuesday 29th March, a series of changes will take place on its North Devon network, improving frequency and providing better connections across the region.

The operator’s flagship North Devon Wave 21/21A route is being overhauled to make it easier and simpler to use. The frequency between Bideford, Fremington, Bickington, Barnstaple and Braunton will be doubled to up to every 10 minutes, providing a frequent and direct connection between these busy locations.

The 21A, serving Appledore and East-the-Water, will run an evening and Sunday service only. At other times a brand new express link – the 19 - will operate. The new 19 express link will connect Appledore, Bideford and East-the-Water to Barnstaple Town Centre via the A39 and provide a new through service to North Devon District Hospital. During the week buses will run every 30 minutes at peak periods and every 60 minutes during the daytime. On Saturdays there will be an hourly service. Buses between the Hospital and Town Centre will run every 30 minutes, 7 days a week.

The 19 express link will replace the Barnstaple Park & Ride service. This is underutilised due to a number of factors including its close proximity to Barnstaple town centre and difficulty to access by car. Devon County Council are currently considering alternative options for Park & Ride users which, in the medium term, may include a more attractively located site further out of town that could more easily be incorporated into existing bus routes.

Journeys to Croyde and Georgeham will continue on the current timetable but the service will be renumbered the 21C, with Summer Sunday service starting from 29^th May. Instow Quay will be served by the 5B, rather than the 21.

Robert Williams, Commercial Director for Stagecoach South West, commented “These changes to our North Devon network will greatly improve the reliability and frequency for the many customers who use our Bideford to Barnstaple service. At the same time, we are maintaining a frequent connection to the hospital as well as provide a dedicated link between Appledore, Bideford, East-the-Water and Barnstaple.”

Full details of the new timetables will shortly be available in print and online at www.stagecoachbus.com and www.travelinesw.com. For latest service updates customers can follow Stagecoach on Twitter @stagecoachsw.