Seven New Night Bus Routes Launch Across Devon, Cornwall to Boost Safety, Economy

A series of new and expanded night bus services are being launched across the South West of England, including Exeter, Plymouth, Saltash, Newquay, Torbay, North Devon, and Cornwall, aiming to provide safe, affordable late-night travel and support the night-time economy. These Saturday night routes, running into early Sunday mornings from May 31 through December 2025, are part of a police-backed initiative to reduce drink- and drug-related incidents and anti-social behavior, particularly enhancing safety for women and girls. The services, operated mainly by Stagecoach and First Bus, build on successful trials from Christmas 2023 and summer 2024, which showed reduced crime and increased passenger numbers. Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez emphasized the importance of these services becoming a regular feature for nighttime socializing. Additionally, a women’s night bus service has been introduced in the Midlothian area of Scotland, offering door-to-door transport on Friday and Saturday nights to ensure safe journeys home. Overall, these initiatives reflect a broad, collaborative effort involving police, local councils, and transport providers to improve public safety and accessibility for late-night travelers in the region.