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LCR to Secure Bus Depots in Major Franchising Move

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Bus services across the Liverpool City Region are set for a major transformation, with plans for a fully publicly-run bus network moving forward at pace. The introduction of a franchised system will see services brought under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, promising more frequent buses, better connections and improved infrastructure. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Franchising is Coming Sooner Than Planned You’ve probably heard about the move to bus franchising—where routes, fares and timetables will be planned by the public sector rather than private companies—but here’s what’s happening next. The first phase kicks off in St Helens and Wirral, with the new system up and running by September 2026. The whole region should be fully franchised by the end of 2027, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “Reliable, regular, and affordable buses are the backbone of a great public transport system. They connect people to work, education, and each ...
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Stagecoach South West splashes £1.5m on 12 brand-new buses for North Devon

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Stagecoach South West has splashed out over £1.5 million on 12 brand-new, Euro VI low-emission single deckers for North Devon. These snazzy Optare Solo M8570SR buses are stepping in to replace older ones, taking on routes from Barnstaple, including the newly nabbed Lynton, Lynmouth, and Woolacombe services.

Stagecoach South West

These shiny new buses come as part of a successful bid by Devon County Council. Stagecoach will be running up to six journeys in both directions, Monday to Saturday, from Barnstaple to Woolacombe via Mortehoe on Service 303. Perfect for the school run, college trips and daily commuters.

As for Services 309 and 310, they’re heading to Lynton and Lynmouth with a few extra perks – earlier and later journeys. Service 310 will be running every hour from 6am to 8:45pm and Service 309 will do two trips a day via Shirwell.

Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, had this to say:

"We’re delighted to bring brand-new buses to North Devon, including three vehicles that highlight ‘rail link’ onward journey connection opportunities available from Barnstaple Railway Station with Great Western Railway. 
This investment of over £1.5million demonstrates our commitment to investing in North Devon and follows the commencement of new services in our wider North Devon bus network. These enhancements allow us to offer a wider range of journey opportunities, connecting people to the places that they need to get to the most."

Passengers are in for a treat too. These new buses come with all the mod cons. We’re talking comfy grey e-leather seats, wood-style flooring and USB charging points to keep you powered up on the go. There’ll also be audio and visual ‘next stop’ announcements, so you’ll never miss your stop again.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, gave her thumbs-up:

"Stagecoach should be applauded for this latest investment in bus services in the county and these additions to their north Devon fleet will be warmly welcomed by passengers who will be able to enjoy the upgraded facilities on these new buses. We look forward to working with Stagecoach on these routes."

This delivery of these new buses is a big step towards bringing down the average age of the bus fleet in North Devon, all ahead of the wider electric vehicle rollout in 2025. By then, 20 brand-new electric buses will be hitting the roads, marking the start of a green revolution for the fleet. This is all thanks to the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) funding of £2.5 million, with an extra £8.4 million coming from Stagecoach’s own pockets.

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