Special late night buses will be running on two key party nights this Christmas to help Plymouth party-goers get home safely.
Plymouth’s Best Bar None licensing scheme is funding the buses, which it hopes will be just the ticket for people out celebrating on 17 and 18 December – the Friday and Saturday before the Christmas weekend.
The night bus will run from Derry’s Cross at midnight, 2am and 4am. Buses will be running each route three times on both nights.
- Route 1 is Devonport – St Budeaux – Ernesettle – Whitleigh – Southway – Crownhill – Peverell – Mutley
- Route 2 is St Judes – Alexandra Road – Lipson – Embankment – Woodford – Chaddlewood – Ridgeway – Merafield – Haye Road – Elburton – Plymstock – Cattedown
- Route 3 is Mutley – Lower Compton – Higher Compton – Deer Park – Lower Eggbuckland – Leigham – Estover – Derriford – Woolwell – Crownhill – Manadon – Ham – North Prospect
All routes are between 16 and 17 miles long so the timings should allow drivers to get their breaks in between runs.
Catherine Macdonald, Chair and Coordinator of Plymouth’s Best Bar None said: “We think these two nights are going to be the busiest of the festive period and so after talking to our partners – the Council, Devon and Cornwall Police and Pubwatch - have decided to trial night buses.
“We know people are worried about how they can get back home after a great night out and as an industry we wanted to do something about it!”
Councillor John Riley, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, said: “This is great news. I’m sure a lot of people will be really pleased to hear about this – especially parents who worry about younger drinkers getting back home safely.
“We want people to go out and enjoy themselves in our clubs, pubs and bars in the run up to Christmas but we also know there are real concerns about how people can get back home – particularly late at night.”
Security staff will be on the buses just in case some of the ‘happier’ revellers get a little out of hand, A flat fare of £6 will be charged for all trips and people are being strongly encouraged to book here so that they know they have a seat and can be confident they can get home to bed. There are about 55 seats per bus so it is wise to book soon.
Best Bar None is an accreditation scheme supported by the Home Office and drinks industry that aims to improve standards in the evening and night time economy. Through a combination of responsible management and operation of licensed premises, ongoing improvements, and social responsibility, Best Bar None’s goal is to help provide a safer night out to all.