100 years of bus travel in Devon celebrated with a commemorative journey back in time 

Stagecoach South West and The Devon General Society commemorated 100 years of bus travel with two historic buses and a modern Stagecoach South West bus recreating the original Service 2 route from Exeter to Torquay.

The journey, on one of the county’s oldest bus routes, took place on Thursday 18 July as part of a year of events celebrating the centenary of bus travel in Devon.

Two preserved Devon General buses and a modern Stagecoach South West bus, with special livery to mark the centenary, took part in the spectacle. Passengers onboard included representatives from Stagecoach South West, bus enthusiasts, Mayors from the towns visited en-route and local author of ‘100 years of Buses in Devon’, Pat Avery.  

Bob Dennison, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said “The commemorative bus journey was a fantastic opportunity to mark 100 years of bus travel in Devon. Enthusiasts and dignitaries on-board enjoyed the coastal views from the double decker buses and members of the public appreciated the chance to step back in time as the buses passed through Exeter, Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot on their way to Torquay.”

At the end of the journey passengers were treated to an afternoon reception at Torre Abbey, Torquay.

Paul Jenkins of the Devon General Society added: “As well as providing essential public transport for local people, Devon General’s red and cream buses and Grey Cars coaches were part of the holiday memories of South Devon for generations of visitors.

The recreation of this historic route was a wonderful opportunity to mark the exact centenary of the start of Devon General’s services back in 1919.”

To find out more about the Devon General Society and the events taking place throughout the year visit: www.devongeneral.org.uk

To find out more about Stagecoach South West visit: www.stagecoachbus.com