Changed Bus Route From Barnstaple to Plymouth

[From Hyder Ali Pirwany]

We have had thrust upon us a new bus timetable in North and West Devon from 29 September 2008. This has discontinued route 86 which used to go right through from Barnstaple to Plymouth via Derriford Hospital where I had my bypass surgery and where I met many patients who travelled to Derriford from Barnstaple.

Now there is a new bus route 118 which terminates at Tavistock and we have to take another bus to Plymouth from there.

I need to research what inconvenience this is causing to patients.

The questions I need to ask are:

• How is the new bus timetable (discontinuing Route 86) affecting travel to Plymouth, especially to Derriford Hospital?
• What is the return journey like if the hospital appointment runs late?
• How is it affecting the disabled people to travel to Plymouth and back?
• Do passengers have to pay more fares now that there are two buses to catch from Barnstaple to Plymouth and back?
• Was anyone in the area along the route consulted about the change?

These are the vital questions. Devon County Council has no control over the commercial decisions of the bus companies to change timetable and fares.

If this route change has caused or will cause you inconvenience, please e-mail Hyder Ali Pirwany at pirwany'AT'yahoo.co.uk.