Torbay bus boost is 'best news of the year'

Cabinet backs investment in services across Torbay

A £220,000 cash boost for Torbay bus services has been hailed as ’the best news of the year’.

Members of Torbay Council’s cabinet have voted unanimously to back the cash injection into some of the bay’s ‘lifeline’ services.

The council subsidises routes commercial bus operators won’t run because they don’t make any money.

The investment, which is part of an eight-year pledge to support the services, will help provide new buses to replace ageing vehicles. They will include low-floor buses to help people with access issues.

Routes in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham will be among those supported.

“This is the best news this year!” said Cllr Nick Bye (Con, Wellswood). “When I announced the improvement to the 64 service, the members of the Wellswood community partnership, who sometimes are a hard-to-please group of people, were absolutely delighted.”

Cllr Bye said the 64 bus was a lifeline for his area.

And he added: “It’s not tired old buses that are the problem, it’s tired old legs and steep hills. Some parts of Torbay are a challenge.

“This is all to do with the mental and physical wellbeing of people, to get out and about and mix with others.”

Cllr Jackie Thomas (Con, Kings Ash) said the services played a huge part in the lives of many people in the bay.

“They will help people getting to and from work, and young people getting to their places of education,” she said. “It is important to recognise that 23 per cent of our households do not have access to a private vehicle.

“This is a good news story.”