NEWS

New rules compel Stagecoach South West to introduce real-time onboard bus journey information

Around 40% of company’s Exeter fleet requires accessibility improvements including automated screens and announcements by next October, with remainder due in following twelve months.

Peter Cleasby

New rules that came into force at the beginning of October are to compel bus operators including Stagecoach South West to provide real-time onboard bus journey information screens and announcements.

The government said the legislation would help improve disabled people’s experience of public transport when it was announced last year, but almost all local bus users are expected to benefit from the changes.

The new rules require buses introduced on local services since October 2019 to provide visual and audible real-time journey details – including expected arrival times, the current route and the next stop – from October this year.

Buses first used on local services between October 2014 and October 2019 must comply from October next year, while older vehicles must comply by October 2026.

There are extensions to the deadlines for some partially-compliant vehicles.

Despite such facilities being commonplace elsewhere in the country, none are currently provided on Exeter’s buses, most of which are operated by Stagecoach South West.

An onboard bus service information announcement display on a London bus An onboard bus service information announcement display on a London bus

We asked Stagecoach South West to provide the number of Exeter buses that would fall under each category and to confirm whether any of its Exeter buses were already compliant, if required, with the new rules.

It failed to do so, and also failed to confirm whether older vehicles that are required to comply by October 2026 might be withdrawn from service instead.

However unofficial data collected from bus operators and other sources of fleet information suggests that nearly 40% of the company’s Exeter-based fleet of around 150 buses will need modifying to comply by next October.

Enforcement of the new rules will depend on passengers complaining to the bus operator and, if necessary, escalating complaints to independent watchdog Transport Focus.

Failing this, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency can involve the Traffic Commissioner in the most serious non-compliance cases.

Subscribe to The Exeter Digest - Exeter Observer's essential free email newsletter

Your personal information will be processed and stored in accordance with our Privacy Policy

In a statement, a spokesperson for Stagecoach South West said it was “committed to ensuring that our fleet complies with the newly introduced accessibility requirements”.

It subsequently added that it is in the process of procuring twenty vehicles which meet the new rules.


Democracy doesn't work when people don't know who is deciding what on whose behalf and what the costs and consequences of those decisions will be.

Exeter Observer is proving that reader-funded media can deliver the independent public interest journalism our local democracy needs.

Upgrade to a paid Exeter Observer subscription from £8.50/month to support our work and get access to exclusive premium content and more.

More stories
Frasers Group Paris Street and Sidwell Street leaseholds after Princesshay sale

Council aims at Frasers Group Citypoint partnership after retail leaseholds sold as part of Princesshay deal

Mike Ashley-owned sports goods and retail group became Paris Street and Sidwell Street landlord in October, prompting council to rethink options for former bus station while revisiting comprehensive redevelopment of site stalled since 2017.

Grace Road Fields development illustrative aerial view

Council consults on Riverside Valley Park land sale without admitting heat plant proposals contravene local plan policy

4.5 acre Grace Road Fields plot “most suitable” for development despite Belle Isle Depot brownfield site location beside river on heat network distribution route.

, updated

King George V playing fields proposed-layout aerial view

Exeter City Community Trust survey misses mark on King George V playing fields development plans

Council promised “wide-ranging, fully open public consultation” on future of 40 acre public open space when decision made to transfer land to trust, while outcome of statutory consultation on disposal remains unpublished.

Devon MPs voting record assisted dying bill second reading map

How did Devon MPs vote on the assisted dying bill second reading?

Ten of Devon’s thirteen MPs voted in favour of a private member’s bill to legalise assisted dying in the House of Commons on Friday as the bill reached its crucial second reading stage.

Exeter neighbourhood relative deprivation indices 2019 map

Exeter real-terms wages fall while increasing in neighbouring districts

Devon Public Health Intelligence index also scores several Exeter neighbourhoods among highest combined relative poverty risk areas in county.

Acting Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable Jim Colwell

Acting Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable Jim Colwell suspended

Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation of gross misconduct allegations follows suspension of previous Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable Will Kerr last year.

On Our Radar
Children cycling with Santa Claus

SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2024

Kidical Mass Christmas ride

Kidical Mass Exeter to hold its ninth family bike ride as part of an ongoing campaign for safe cycling routes for children, young people and families.

BELMONT PARK

Winterwood trees graphic

SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2024 TO SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2025

Winterwood

A family-friendly, interactive production set in a festive forest by Theatre Alibi, Angel Exit Theatre and Above Bounds.

EMMANUEL HALL

Dayzee and the World of Tomorrow graphic

SUNDAY 15 TO SATURDAY 28 DECEMBER 2024

Dayzee and the World of Tomorrow

Quirk Theatre presents a festive family-friendly adventure about a magical future.

EXETER PHOENIX