The bus service between Exeter, Launceston and Bude could be cut back in May. Bude is one of the most isolated towns in England. It's 53 miles from Exeter. The number 6 route is the latest incarnation of the rail replacement bus first run by Southern National and then Jennings Coaches. It serves many of the communities cut off when the former London and South Western lines was closed in 1966 such as Dunsland Cross, Halwill Junction, Holsworthy, Launceston Bridgerule and Bude. Operator Stagecoach has told Devon County Council that some buses could terminate in Okehampton rather than making the full journey.
The current service sees eight buses make the full two hour journey in each direction between Exeter and the North Cornwall coast each weekday with three on Sundays. They call at Exeter St David's station providing a vital link with the rest of the country. There's also a school and college connections. Stagecoach says the changes are designed to improve reliability and it says it's consulting and working with the County Council to finalise proposals.