BUS passenger numbers in Devon have risen by 13 per cent, new figures have confirmed.

The increase, compared to the national average of just one per cent increase, comes as the award-winning Devon Bus Enhanced Partnership continues to improve services.

The Devonwide increase in bus usage shows the impact focused local investment and working partnerships can achieve.

The figures, from Gov.UK, show the increase in the year to March 2025.

The Devon Bus Enhanced Partnership was awarded Silver in the UK Bus Awards 2025 for Partnership for Excellence and brings together Devon County Council, Stagecoach South West, smaller operators, the NHS and education providers.

More than £17 million investment, new routes, priority measures, the DevonBus brand, and funding for 60 zero-emission buses have been delivered.

The Devon Bus Enhanced Partnership continues to demonstrate strong performance and collaborative excellence, following its recent national recognition at the UK Bus Awards 2025, where it secured Silver in the prestigious Partnership for Excellence: The Peter Huntley Memorial Award category.

The new data shows the partnership’s integrated investment, network improvements, and joint operational approach are delivering tangible benefits for passengers and communities.

Since its launch, the Devon Bus Enhanced Partnership has delivered more than £17 million of investment through the Bus Service Improvement Plan, introduced new and enhanced routes to improve accessibility and support passenger growth, and implemented major bus priority measures including new lanes, bus gates and real-time network management.

It has also created the DevonBus brand to strengthen customer confidence and secured funding for 60 zero-emission electric buses through the Department for Transport’s ZEBRA2 programme.

Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: ‘The continued growth in passenger numbers shows that when we invest together, we deliver together.

‘Our partnership with Devon County Council, local operators, and wider stakeholders is transforming bus travel across the county.

'We are proud to play a central role in building a cleaner, more connected network that more people can rely on every day.’

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, commented: ‘This rise in bus use is a clear endorsement of the work being delivered through the Devon Bus Enhanced Partnership.

‘By working collaboratively, we are improving services, expanding sustainable transport choices, and investing in zero-emission vehicles that support our climate objectives and deliver real benefits to our communities.’

Don McIntosh, Managing Director of Tally Ho! Coaches and representative for smaller operators on the Partnership Board, added: ‘The Devon Bus Enhanced Partnership has created a forum where operators of every size can contribute meaningfully.

‘The recent growth in patronage and national recognition at the UK Bus Awards reflect a genuinely collaborative approach.

‘Smaller operators have played a key role in strengthening local connectivity, and it is rewarding to see this collective effort represented in the results.’