Night buses now all year round as new route for Cranbrook added

Cranbrook will now see a Saturday night bus service come into effect this weekend, helping people get home from the city until 4am.

The new route from Exeter to Cranbrook has been added as new funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office sees most existing routes continue for the whole of 2026.  

The night buses were first launched in 2023 as a Christmas service and then also a summer service before being expanded in 2025 to include seven new routes and operating from May to December. It has been popular with members of the public looking for a cheap, safe way to get home after a night out, or getting to or from work in the early hours. 

Routes running from this weekend, Saturday, January 10, are: 

• Exeter to Cullompton, Cranbrook, Crediton and Exmouth 
• Torquay to Paignton and Brixham 

A service from Exeter to Dawlish has been scrapped due to low passenger numbers. 

Since May 2025, just over 16,200 passengers across Devon and Cornwall – an average of 530 passengers every Saturday night – have taken advantage of the maximum £3 fare to travel on a night bus. It is hoped that the route for Cranbrook – which has a fast-growing population due to the expansion of the town – will prove just as popular.

The decision to include the new route and provide more money to keep services running all year was a very easy one to make, according to Commissioner Alison Hernandez.  

She said: “Being the main funder of these late-night buses is something I’m really proud of, and I’m delighted to add Cranbrook to the list of communities who now have a safe way to stay out late without worrying about the cost of a taxi or making a bad decision to drive after having a drink. 

“The buses are helping people to go straight home rather than hanging around on the streets after leaving a venue, which has led to a reduction in antisocial behaviour and violence. It’s a win-win for communities and people out in the night-time economy, so helping this to continue for 2026 was a very easy decision for my office to make.” 

Peter Knight, Managing Director at Stagecoach South West, said: “Following a successful trial period, Stagecoach, in partnership with the OPCC, who have provided funding for the service, is pleased to introduce new late-night bus services in Exeter from Saturday, January 10, 2026. 

“Service 4, operating between Exeter City Centre (Cheeke Street) and Cranbrook, will run hourly through the night on Saturday nights into Sunday mornings, with four journeys from Exeter and three from Cranbrook between approximately midnight and 4am. In line with the trial period, passengers can expect increased frequency, with reliable hourly services throughout the night. 

“The introduction of these services reflects positive demand during the trial and our ongoing commitment to supporting Exeter’s night-time economy, shift workers, and late-night travellers by providing safe and sustainable transport options.” 

BCU Commander for NEW Devon, Temporary Chief Superintendent Antony Hart, said: “The night bus service offers people living outside of the city centre an efficient and cost-effective mode of transport home which helps to keep people safe and prevent violence against women and girls. 

“Data from night buses operating in other areas across the force area suggests we will also see a drop in drink-driving and antisocial behaviour which will have a positive impact on our communities.” 

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: “The night buses continue to provide a valuable service and it is excellent news that an additional route has now been added. There are so many benefits to these night buses, from safety to affordability as well as helping people to make changes to their travel habits and reduce their carbon footprint.  We are pleased to be among the partners helping to make these services possible.” 

Councillor Vikki Wright, chair of Cranbrook Town Council said: “Cranbrook residents now have the benefit of a late-night bus service connecting the town to Exeter, making it easier and safer for people to travel home after an evening out. This is a positive step for community safety and helps support the local evening economy. We are pleased to see this service extended to our town and encourage residents to make use of it.” 

More information about bus times can be found on the Stagecoach website and app.