NIGHT bus services will be available on Saturday evenings in parts of Devon this year.

Starting from this Saturday, May 31 and following successful trials last year in North Devon and Torbay, the Night bus services are returning alongside new routes in Exeter, including the Dawlish via Exminster and Starcross route.

The services, provided by Stagecoach, will operate on Saturday evenings from midnight until as late as 4am in a bid to reduce drink and drug-related incidents.

The buses will also be available in Devon on Friday, December 19, and New Year’s Eve.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: ‘I am delighted that my office will once again fund this fantastic service and help even more people get home safely after a night out.

‘The extension of the night bus service to include seven new routes will be a fantastic boost to our evening and night time economy, encouraging residents and visitors alike to relax and enjoy socialising’.

Night bus services will be operating on the following routes across Devon:

Plymouth – Tavistock via Derriford Hospital and Yelverton

1A: Exeter – Cullompton via Broadclyst and Bradninch

2: Exeter – Dawlish via Exminster and Starcross

5: Exeter – Crediton via Newton St Cyres

21: Barnstaple – Bideford via Yelland

21B: Barnstaple – Ilfracombe via Braunton

57: Exeter to Exmouth via Topsham

Single tickets will cost no more than £3.

Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: ‘We are proud to be part of an initiative that provides a safe and affordable evening travel option for customers.

‘It is a great example of our ongoing commitment to serving the needs of residents and where required working with partners to achieve that goal.

‘We hope to see a similar positive impact for the community that has been seen in Torquay and North Devon previously.’