Plymouth Citybus is introducing a new service on September 30 between Plymouth city centre and Ivybridge, via the A38.
Route 45 will compete with both First (X80 and 180) and Stagecoach (X38) services, although at a higher frequency of 30 minutes. It is also understood that in response to this, First is introducing its own halfhourly service between the two urban areas.
Plymouth Citybus Managing Director Richard Stevens told CBW: “I felt Ivybridge had an underserved population, plus it is a residential satellite of Plymouth. Therefore it deserved a high-quality service.
“It’s going from 11 trains a day with irregular buses to having two half-hourly services.
“Competition is good for the passenger – Ivybridge will now have the service it deserves. However, I’m just going to concentrate on delivering a reliable and quality service.”
Hayley Beck, Marketing Coordinator for Plymouth Citybus, said: “We recently had a new MD here at Citybus whose main priority was to provide commuters with a better connection to their workplace.
“He identified many Ivybridge residents travel to Plymouth and have to use the train.
“On top of this, we realise many tourists want to go to Ivybridge for a day out and so to provide a regular connection between the two areas seemed a good idea.
“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to the introduction of the new service.”
Julie Gilbert, Customer Services Officer for Ivybridge Town Council, said: “The 45 should prove to be a great link as many more people will be able to come and visit this beautiful town. Having the service run from the railway station also means people have more links and options for travel, which will be great for Ivybridge.”
Introductory fares for the 45 will be available between September 30 and October 6, and will cost £1 single and £2 return.
After October 6, regular users will have several options, including the Citybus day rover ticker for £4.50 adult and £4 child.
The service will start from Ivybridge Station at 0640hrs Monday to Friday, stopping at Ivybridge Town Hall, Marsh Mills Crabtree, Prince Rock, Exeter Street and Royal Parade.
The last bus will leave Royal Parade at 1910 and terminate in Ivybridge at 1940hrs. On Sundays and public holidays it will run every hour from 0840 to 1740hrs.
Expect more information on First’s new Plymouthto- Ivybridge service in a forthcoming issue of CBW.
