05/09/2008

• Successful start to four-week trial service between Torquay and Brixham
• Stagecoach Bayfast service attracting commuter and leisure passengers
• Positive feedback from passengers using innovative new transport link

More than 5,000 passengers have used Stagecoach’s new fast ferry service in Torbay, Devon, during the first week of the trial operation, according to figures released today (5 September 2008).

The £200,000 Bayfast service operating between Torquay and Brixham has attracted an average of more than 700 passengers a day since its launch last week.

Launched in partnership with Torbay Council, Bayfast provides fast 15-minute connections and up to 15 return trips a day, with services also operating at the weekend.

Passengers have given the new service, which cuts more than an hour off peak road-based journey times, an overwhelming thumbs-up.

Richard Stevens, Operations Director for Stagecoach Devon, said: “We have been very pleased with the popularity of Bayfast during the first week of the trial and it has clearly captured the imagination of local people and visitors to the area.

“The trial was designed to test the market for a new water-based transport link and we are already seeing both leisure and commuter passengers attracted to the park and sail concept.

“We have also been delighted with the performance of the craft itself, which has been able to operate in weather conditions which have forced other vessels to tie up.”

Mr Stevens added: “We have faced some challenges from congestion in and around the two harbour areas, however the feedback from passengers has been overwhelmingly positive.

“All of this information will prove extremely useful in determining the potential for a permanent fast ferry link. The early signs are certainly promising and we believe there is a real opportunity for this new sea-based service to improve public transport links, and bring a major boost to tourism and the wider local economy.”

The Bayfast service is operated using a 32-metre 138-seat RedJet 1 catamaran, on charter from Southampton-based company Red Funnel.

Tickets for the Bayfast service, which is up to six times faster than current road-based links between Torquay and Brixham, are on sale from the Stagecoach Travel Shop on Victoria Parade, Torquay. They can also be purchased on board local Stagecoach buses and at the quayside departure point.

Fares are £4 single and £6 return. Prices for senior citizens are £3 and £5, while child fares are £2.50 and £4.50. Stagecoach Dayrider bus ticket holders can also use the ferry for a supplement of £2.

Bayfast provides early and late services to cater for Torbay’s commuters, as well as shoppers and tourists. The first weekday service is at 0650 from Brixham, with the last ferry from Torquay as late as 1950 based on demand. A booking system makes travel easier for regular commuters, allowing them to reserve a place on a specific crossing up to 24-hours in advance.

Existing harbour facilities are being used at Torquay and Brixham to accommodate the craft, which can operate at speeds of up to 30 knots. A 28-seat bus shuttle link gives passengers arriving in Torquay at Beacon Quay access to the main bus stops on the parade.

Customers can find full details about the Bayfast service online at www.stagecoachbus.com/devon.

Stagecoach’s 12/12a bus service, which carries 4.5 million passengers a year, is currently the only public transport link between the two locations. However, due to road congestion, the journey time between Torquay and Brixham is normally 42 minutes and up to 90 minutes in the summer tourist season.

Bayfast was launched on 28 August by Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter and Mayor Nick Bye, of Torbay Council, and the four-week trial runs until 27 September.
 
ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:
Steve Stewart, Director of Corporate Communications, Stagecoach Group
T: 01738 442111 (office) or 07764 774680 (mobile)
E:steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com

Richard Stevens, Operations Director, Stagecoach Devon
T: 07803 888 676 (mobile)

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Stagecoach Group is a leading international public transport company with bus and rail operations in the UK and North America. The Group employs around 30,000 people and runs around 12,000 buses and trains.
• In Devon, Stagecoach employs more than 900 people and operates around 300 buses in and around Exeter, Torbay, Newton Abbot, Barnstaple, Bideford, Exmouth, and Sidmouth.