Five city councillors had a ticket to ride when they all climbed aboard the very first stagecoach 30/31 bus service, a route reinstated thanks to a Labour local election pledge.
Cllrs Charlotte Holloway, Angela Penrose, Dylan Tippetts, Jeremy Goslin and Sarah Allen were among the first people to take the journey, all joining the bus at different stops along the way in their own wards of Drake, Compton and Peverell.
The new bus route connecting Hartley Vale, Mannamead, Peverell and the city centre began running on 30 October, replacing services that were lost at the beginning of this year.
Run by Stagecoach South West and funded by the Labour-run council, the new service will provide an hourly two-way loop between these areas from Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said:
“We have listened to feedback from residents in Hartley Vale, Mannamead and Peverell, who say they have really struggled with the loss of these bus services in their communities.
“We are really pleased to have been able to work with Stagecoach to provide this valued link but we have to remind everyone that it is being funded by a short-term grant. I’d encourage them to use this service as much as possible to help it continue after the contract ends.”
Drake ward councillor Charlotte Holloway said:
“When the Conservatives axed the service last year, they left those that needed it most without access to basic services and amenities during a cost of living crisis.
“That’s why I’m delighted the Labour administration has listened to my and other councillors’ calls to restore that lifeline, and I encourage all residents to get on board and use the service once again.”
Peverell councillor Sarah Allen said:
“A couple of shoppers saw me at the Torr Lane bus stop and told me ‘there’s no bus here any more’ so when I replied ‘yes there is, it’s starting again today’ they were absolutely over the moon.”
Her fellow Peverell councillor, Jeremy Goslin, said:
“It may be a small bus, but the return of the 31 will make a big difference to some – and a welcome alternative to the car for many more.”
Cllr Angela Penrose, who got on the bus at the Mutley Plain stop, said:
”I’ve been really concerned about many residents in Hartley Vale and the streets at the end of Seymour Road who felt very isolated when their bus service was scrapped.
“Now they are reconnected with the city centre, the supermarket and Mannamead Road where they can now connect with other services, I shall be using it regularly.”
Her Compton ward colleague, Councillor Dylan Tippetts, said:
“I’m really pleased that we’ve given residents in our communities their independence and dignity back by reinstating their local bus.”
