As part of their response to the government’s National Bus Strategy, and as detailed in their Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP), Devon County Council and Torbay Council committed to carrying out an annual passenger survey to measure bus passenger satisfaction in Devon and Torbay.

Following on from surveys in 2023 and 2024, the 2025 survey was funded and delivered jointly between Devon County Council, Torbay Council and Stagecoach South West. Survey methodology was the same as in previous years, which allowed for a direct comparison of the results. All responses were collected “on the bus” by a team of surveyors over a 4-week period in June and July. Data was captured from a wide range of passengers, including commuters, students and leisure passengers.

The number of surveys completed rose in 2025, with over 3,300 responses received (up from 2,800 in 2024). This year, 80.23% of all respondents were “Very satisfied” or “Satisfied” with their experience on their bus journey.

The 2025 survey showed that most people used the bus for work, shopping, or leisure trips, with education and medical journeys also important. Over 85 percent of passengers were “satisfied” with the punctuality of their service and almost 79 percent felt it offered good value for money.

Results of the latest survey can be viewed on the following link which also provides a comparison with the previous years results: 2025 Devon Bus Passenger Satisfaction Survey Results

Bus routes surveyed

The map shows the bus routes surveyed across Devon: a core set of routes in 2023, the addition of the 108/109 and 22 routes in Torbay in 2024, and further expansion in 2025 to include the 15/16, 31, and 88 routes.