Stagecoach is one of the largest bus operators in the UK and is playing a leading role in driving passenger growth on public transport across the country.

Stagecoach in Devon carries over 21 million passengers a year and operates over 13 million miles, with 791 employees and a fleet size of 289.

The company has achieved a passenger growth of 7% over the past year through continued investment. For instance, spending £2.6 million in 30 new low floor ‘Solo’ buses for the Exeter City network has generated 7% passenger growth across our regional capital. Thanks to the support of Exeter City Council, you can step straight off a Stagecoach bus in the refurbished High Street and into your favourite store. Meanwhile £3 million of new low floor double deck ‘Trident’ buses for Service 12 in Torbay has generated 12% more passengers.

Close working partnerships with local authorities has reaped rewards. With Devon County Council, we have won Rural Bus Challenge money for the new Culm Valley Connect Service 1/1B which has replaced the old 54 and 373 services.  Eleven new low floor double deck buses now run up to every 15 minutes between Cullompton and Exeter. This has lead to a 12% growth in passenger in just three months and continues to show strong organic growth.

Stagecoach Devon also operate two Park and Ride sites in Exeter - Matford which has seen 32% passenger growth year on year. and in partnership with DCC at Honiton Road, which is now one of the fastest growing bus services in the country with 47% year on year passenger growth.

Successful radio marketing campaigns by Devon County Councils with Gemini Radio promoting park and ride and a joint sponsorship with DCC for the morning traffic and travel have also proved very successful in generating passenger growth and raising awareness of our network of services and excellent value ticket range.

The recent introduction of new products such as the annual Goldrider and the ending of time restrictions for return tickets on rural and interurban express services has helped develop organic passenger growth across the business and the use of Radio advertising with Gemini for both tickets and recruitment continues to raise our profile in the local community and improve customer perception.

Through many improvements to existing routes and successful marketing campaigns like these, Stagecoach Devon has turned once declining passenger numbers into positive organic growth across the business and we pledge a continued commitment from the whole team to delivering first class service to all of our customers. We are sure that with your support our business will continue to grow in the future.