National Express is introducing a new daily coach service linking North Devon with Birmingham, expanding its network ahead of the summer travel season.
The new Service 105 will begin operating on 13 July, providing direct connections between Bideford, Barnstaple, Taunton, Bristol and Birmingham. The service will also call at Cheltenham, except on Fridays.
The route is intended to provide an alternative to car travel for passengers travelling between the Midlands and North Devon, particularly during the peak summer holiday period.
The launch follows the operator’s recent announcement of a promotional fare campaign offering discounted one-way tickets across parts of its UK coach network for travel between July and September.
Informing the decision to offer the new service, the company cited recent research from VisitBritain indicating continued demand for domestic tourism, with many travellers planning overnight trips within the UK over the coming year.
Neil Collins, Director of Coach Network Planning at National Express, said:This new service gives people a simple, direct link between the Midlands and north Devon at a time when many are choosing to holiday closer to home. We know people are being more mindful about how they spend, particularly when it comes to holidays.
Coaches can offer a comfortable and sustainable alternative to driving, so whether it’s a seaside break, a city visit, or catching up with friends and family, we’re making it easier for people to say yes to all of their summer plans - without having to compromise on the experiences that matter most, or worrying about the cost of travel.
