Restore double decker buses for the 120 route in the South Hams
The Issue
UPDATE (19.10.26): Devon County Council has agreed to subsidise a double decker bus during the morning and afternoon school services. They have also agreed to trim the overhanging trees to enable the larger bus to run safely. This service will begin after the October half term. We will keep the petition open until the service actually begins.
Every day, kids find themselves struggling to catch the 120 bus from Kingswear Banjo to Churston Grammar and South Devon College (and back), only to see it drive off without them because it's full. Children are left stranded on the side of the road, families disrupted, and a community strained.
The transition from a double-decker to a single-decker bus on this route has led to significant challenges. Students are regularly late to school, impacting their educational experience and putting unnecessary pressure on their academic performance. Many parents, forced to find alternative transportation at the last minute, arrive late to work, amplifying stress both at home and in their workplaces. School administrators, responsible for ensuring that students arrive safely and on time, are now engaged in constant discussions with parents and the bus company, diverting their focus from educational priorities.
The logistical issue we face is clear—there simply aren't enough seats on the current buses to accommodate the number of students at peak times. According to local surveys, around 30% of students relying on this service have reported being left behind at least once a week. This is not just inconvenient; it is an avoidable disruption that affects the whole community.
The solution is straightforward: Stagecoach should reinstate the double-decker buses on the 120 route. This simple change would immediately alleviate overcrowding, ensure timely arrivals for students, and restore peace of mind for parents.
Stagecoach has the power to make this change quickly and efficiently. By restoring the previous level of service, they would demonstrate a commitment to their role as a reliable public transport provider and show that they prioritize the needs of the community.
We call upon Stagecoach to listen to the voices of families across Dartmouth and Kingswear. The return of double-decker buses will save time, reduce stress, and ensure that our students can focus on what truly matters—their education. Please lend your voice to this cause and help us bring back the buses our children need and deserve.
Sign this petition to demand the reinstatement of double-decker buses on the 120 route now!
429
The Issue
UPDATE (19.10.26): Devon County Council has agreed to subsidise a double decker bus during the morning and afternoon school services. They have also agreed to trim the overhanging trees to enable the larger bus to run safely. This service will begin after the October half term. We will keep the petition open until the service actually begins.
Every day, kids find themselves struggling to catch the 120 bus from Kingswear Banjo to Churston Grammar and South Devon College (and back), only to see it drive off without them because it's full. Children are left stranded on the side of the road, families disrupted, and a community strained.
The transition from a double-decker to a single-decker bus on this route has led to significant challenges. Students are regularly late to school, impacting their educational experience and putting unnecessary pressure on their academic performance. Many parents, forced to find alternative transportation at the last minute, arrive late to work, amplifying stress both at home and in their workplaces. School administrators, responsible for ensuring that students arrive safely and on time, are now engaged in constant discussions with parents and the bus company, diverting their focus from educational priorities.
The logistical issue we face is clear—there simply aren't enough seats on the current buses to accommodate the number of students at peak times. According to local surveys, around 30% of students relying on this service have reported being left behind at least once a week. This is not just inconvenient; it is an avoidable disruption that affects the whole community.
The solution is straightforward: Stagecoach should reinstate the double-decker buses on the 120 route. This simple change would immediately alleviate overcrowding, ensure timely arrivals for students, and restore peace of mind for parents.
Stagecoach has the power to make this change quickly and efficiently. By restoring the previous level of service, they would demonstrate a commitment to their role as a reliable public transport provider and show that they prioritize the needs of the community.
We call upon Stagecoach to listen to the voices of families across Dartmouth and Kingswear. The return of double-decker buses will save time, reduce stress, and ensure that our students can focus on what truly matters—their education. Please lend your voice to this cause and help us bring back the buses our children need and deserve.
Sign this petition to demand the reinstatement of double-decker buses on the 120 route now!
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Petition created on 15 September 2026