Transforming Travel in Torbay: Electrifying the Bus Network
Torbay is on the brink of a major transformation in its public transport system, promising to make travel greener, more efficient, and accessible. This change is driven by Torbay Council’s recently endorsed plan to overhaul bus services across the region.
The council’s ambitious strategy aims to increase the use of buses by electrifying the entire fleet, a move enthusiastically supported by Stagecoach South West’s Managing Director, Peter Knight. During the Torbay Weekly Business Awards, Knight announced a multi-million pound investment to support this initiative.
Each year, nearly six million passengers travel on Torbay's 53 bus routes, serviced by Stagecoach, CountryBus, and local minibuses. However, a recent survey highlighted areas for improvement, with only 58% of passengers satisfied with the current services and 71% of buses running on time.
To address these issues, the council plans to increase the frequency of buses, extend operating hours into the evening, lower ticket prices for families and young people, and provide better information at bus stops. The goals also include reducing journey times and improving punctuality.
Cllr Adam Billings commented, "This plan will enhance access for everyone in Torbay and help reduce our carbon footprint. It will support better access to town centres and local attractions."
Cllr Nick Bye noted that investing in local buses could reverse the recent decline in passenger numbers. "Improving bus services is crucial for the environment and reducing congestion," he said.
To secure funding for these improvements, the council needs to implement its plan successfully. Previous efforts unlocked over £7 million from the government, aiding the introduction of electric buses in Torbay. Combined with Stagecoach’s significant investment, this funding will facilitate the purchase of 49 new zero-emission buses. These modern vehicles are expected to decarbonize the bus fleet, enhance reliability, and provide a better travel experience with features like WiFi and USB charging ports.
Peter Knight detailed the investment at the Torbay Business Awards, emphasizing the company's commitment to a greener future. "By 2026, our entire Torbay bus network will be electric, zero-emissions vehicles," he announced. "This represents over £25 million in investment, mostly funded privately by Stagecoach Group. These buses will improve customer experience, clean our air, and reduce carbon emissions."
The electrification of Torbay’s buses is the centerpiece of a broader bus service improvement plan aligned with the National Bus Strategy. The vision is to make bus travel more affordable, integrated with other transport modes, and accessible to the entire community. The plan also prioritizes carbon neutrality and promotes active transport options, offering genuine choices for residents and visitors on how they travel.