PLANE passengers will be able to catch a coach from Blackbrook Park Avenue, Taunton, to Bristol Airport when a seven-days a week, 19 journeys a day service starts on Sunday (February 14).

Operators Stagecoach are holding a roadshow in Castle Green, Taunton, today (Thursday, February 11).

Stagecoach South West has heralded the development as the first dedicated 24/7 coach service connecting major locations across the South-West.

The service starts on Sunday with a 3.30am departure from Plymouth and 7am departure from Bristol and will operate 19 journeys a day, seven days a week between Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton, Bristol Airport and Bristol city centre, allowing passengers to travel to their chosen destinations both day and night.

To celebrate the launch, Falcon single and return journeys will initially cost just £1 (February 14 to 27).

From the end of February, normal fares will apply, including £5 return journeys anywhere along the route for under 25s and OAPs and adult returns from just £7.50.

All return fares are valid for up to 28 days. Weekly and monthly ticket options for regular commuters will also be available, with prices starting from only £20 a week.

The eight brand new coaches represent a £2.5 million investment by Stagecoach.

All feature free Wi-Fi as well as air conditioning, leather seats and charging sockets.

Bob Dennison, managing director of Stagecoach South West, said: “Falcon is a bold new step in making it easier for people to travel across the region.

"It’s a ‘round the clock’ service between the main towns and cities across the South-West plus Bristol Airport.

“I am confident this new 24/7 connection will prove extremely popular with commuters, university students, shoppers, day trippers and, of course, holidaymakers flying from Bristol.”

Steve Hindley, chairman of Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We welcome this new round-the-clock service connecting major towns and cities in the heart of the South-West.

"We support and campaign for improvements across the full breadth of the transport agenda – road, rail and air – so this new services adds real value to the connectivity of the area.”

Falcon will connect Cullompton, Taunton and Bridgwater to Bristol city centre, Bristol International Airport, Exeter and Plymouth, with the frequent service running through the week and at weekends, day and night.

The timetable has been designed with a particular focus on commuters, leisure travellers and airport customers, with an hourly service operating from early morning to late evening, and services through the night too, ensuring 19 departures every 24 hours, seven days a week.

 

 

The journey between Taunton and the airport will take just over an hour, with direct drop-off at the departures terminal.

It will also provide passengers in Somerset frequent services north to Bristol city centre, and south to Exeter and Plymouth.

Journey times between Taunton and other destinations are - Bristol 1 hour 40 mins; Exeter 40 mins; Plymouth 1 hour 50 mins.

Falcon is a ‘turn up and go’ service, with tickets, including weekly season tickets, bought in cash direct from the driver.

A select number of tickets will also be available to pre-book via www.megabus.com where fares will be available from as little as £1 plus 50p booking fee.

Four-week season tickets will be available to buy online at www.stagecoachbus.com - all one and four-week season tickets will be issued on StagecoachSmart cards.

Stagecoach is holding a roadshow to promote the new service at Castle Green, Taunton, tomorrow (Thursday, February 11).