North Devon Surf Cycle Bus a success

After just 15 weeks in operation, the Surf Cycle Bus has been declared a success by Stagecoach South West, which provides the bus service on behalf of North Devon+.

Serving Barnstaple, Braunton, Croyde, Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, the bus carried close to 1000 boards and bikes and over 6000 passengers. Richard Stevens Operations Director for Stagecoach South West says "These numbers are very encouraging and we look forward to improving on these figures for next year"

Feedback from passengers is equally encouraging. Jill Simmonds of Barnstaple who has a daughter who surfs regularly says "this is a fabulous service. Without it we would not be able to get our daughter and her friends to the beach to surf as we both work full time."

The Surf Cycle Bus is a 2 year pilot scheme funded by Leader4, North Devon AONB, North Devon Council and Cycle Devon. The lower floor has been converted with racks to accommodate surfboards and bikes with the overall aim to improve access to the beach for car and non car users. North Devon+ Project Manager, Isabelle Bromham says "One of the difficulties when setting up a totally new transport scheme such as this one, is that you have no figures to work from, but we have been monitoring usage ever since the launch date and this will enable us to make changes where needed, we are currently reviewing the route, timetable and fares as well as decide on a launch date for next year"

Isabelle is keen to hear from bus passengers and is asking people to complete an
online survey to help with the review of the scheme. One lucky person will be drawn at random to win an annual bus pass for the Surf Cycle Bus. You can have your say at here