28/08/2008

• Official launch of four-week trial service between Torquay and Brixham
• Bayfast service will cut peak road journey times by more than an hour
• Innovative link can deliver major boost for local transport and tourism

Motorists were today (28 August 2008) urged to switch from the car to an innovative public transport alternative as Stagecoach launched a new fast ferry service in Torbay, Devon.

The £200,000 Bayfast service, which will carry its first passengers from tomorrow (Friday 29 August 2008), will run between Torquay and Brixham, cutting more than an hour off peak road-based journey times.

Stagecoach Group Chief Executive and Mayor Nick Bye, of Torbay Council, launched the 138-seat catamaran service at Beacon Quay, Torquay.

They were joined by invited dignitaries for a special preview trip on board the 32-metre RedJet 1 catamaran, on charter from Southampton-based company Red Funnel.

Bayfast, launched in partnership with Torbay Council, will provide fast 15-minute connections and up to 15 return trips a day, with services also operating at the weekend. The four-week trial will run until 27 September to test the potential for a permanent link.

Brian Souter, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group, said: "Bayfast is a faster, greener and smarter travel option than the car. We hope as many motorists as possible will take advantage of this new travel option to make the trial a success.

"We have a real opportunity to do something exciting with the fast ferry link. As well as widening public transport links, a new sea-based service could bring a major boost to tourism and the local economy."

The Mayor of Torbay, Nick Bye, said: "The potential to travel between Torquay and Brixham in just 15 minutes will provide a huge boost for residents, commuters and visitors in the area, particularly during the summer when travelling by road can be anything up to 90 minutes.

"A fast ferry service not only cuts the travelling time and helps to reduce congestion, it also provides the perfect opportunity for people to take in the natural beauty of the Bay."

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.

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 is timetabled to provide 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 will give 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.

ENDS

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.