A NEW night bus service has been launched between Crediton and Exeter to help Saturday-night partygoers get home.

The number 5 will operate from midnight until 4am every Saturday night and into Sunday morning until December 20.

The route begins in Paris Street in Exeter and calls at Duryard Cowley Bridge, Newton St Cyres Crown and Sceptre, Fordton railway station, Crediton Lloyds Bank, Crediton Tuckers Close and vice versa.

The service will also be available on Friday, December 19, and New Year’s Eve.

Other night bus services are also being offered elsewhere in Devon. They come as part of a continuing joint initiative between Devon and Cornwall Police and the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

“I am delighted that my office will once again fund this fantastic service and help even more people get home safely after a night out,” said Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Alison Hernandez.

“[This] will be a fantastic boost to our evening and nighttime economy, encouraging residents and visitors alike to relax and enjoy socialising... without worrying about the expense of a taxi, or having a designated driver.”

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “The provision of improved night-time transport will ensure people, and particularly women and girls, arrive home safely having enjoyed their evening out with friends.

“We have seen that this also reduces antisocial behaviour and has a positive impact across our communities.”

Devon County Council cabinet member Cllr Jacqi Hodgson (Green, Totnes and Dartington) said: “These night buses provide a valuable service and it’s excellent news that additional routes have now been added.

“There are so many benefits to these night buses, from safety to affordability as well as helping people to make changes to their travel habits and reduce their carbon footprint, so we’re pleased to be among the partners helping to make these services possible.”

Managing Director of Stagecoach South West Peter Knight added: “We are proud to be part of an initiative that provides a safe and affordable evening travel option for customers.

“It is a great example of our ongoing commitment to serving the needs of residents and where required working with partners to achieve that goal.”

The other night bus services available in Devon include the number 1 bus between Plymouth and Tavistock via Derriford Hospital and Yelverton; the 1A between Exeter and Cullompton via Broadclyst and Bradninch; the 2 between Exeter and Dawlish via Exminster and Starcross; the 12 between Torquay and Brixham via Paignton; the 21 between Barnstaple and Bideford via Yelland; the 21B between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe via Braunton; the 22 between St Marychurch and South Devon College via Paignton; and the 57 between Exeter and Exmouth via Topsham.

Single tickets will cost no more than £3. If you make multiple journeys after 7pm, you can buy a Stagecoach Niterider ticket for £4.50.

You can see the timetables online by visiting: stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/south-west/night-buses.