A NIGHT bus service has returned to Newquay to help keep people safe this summer following a successful pilot last year.

The Newquay Night Bus service will be operated by First Bus every Saturday night into the early hours until September 6 in a bid to reduce drink and drug related incidents.

The route includes the bus station in Manor Road, Porth Four Turns, Newquay Holiday Park, West Park in St Columb Major, Chapel Road in Indian Queens, St Columb Road Surgery, Quintrell Downs and Morrisons at Treloggan.

The night bus service, which will also be operated in places including Plymouth and Exeter, has been set up in Newquay by Devon & Cornwall Police, and funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, with support from Cornwall Council, Cornwall Air Ambulance and Newquay BID. The maximum fare is £3.

Newquay Inspector Steve Johnson said when the night bus service was provided in the town during the summer of last year the force saw a drop in crime and anti-social behaviour.

Insp Johnson said: “The night bus was a service provided for the summer of 2024 by the Alcohol Licensing team in conjunction with Cornwall Council and the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner, to provide a late-night bus service for the night-time economy in Newquay.

“This allowed people from the locality the opportunity to visit the town and enjoy a night out safe in the knowledge they could get home safe without the need to drive.

“This was very well received by both the public and the licensees within the town where over 650 people used the service, and we saw a drop in crime and anti-social behaviour as a result.

“I really welcome the return of the Night Bus for 2025 and am delighted that we are continuing to work with our partners as well as Newquay BID and Cornwall Air Ambulance for this year.

“Any initiative such as this is welcomed as a service to the public that helps us provide a safe environment for the nighttime economy in Newquay.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, believes the night bus service could become a mainstay of having a night out.

Ms Hernandez said: "The extension of the night bus service is a fantastic boost to our evening and night-time economy, encouraging residents and visitors alike to relax and enjoy socialising without worrying about the expense of a taxi, or having a designated driver.

"Night buses in Devon and Cornwall have been proven to be a great success, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and making people feel safer."

Newquay BID manager Mark Warren said: “We are working with the Newquay Police and other partners to support the nighttime economy by bringing back the Newquay Night Bus for a second year.

“This service provides safe affordable travel and is proven to reduce antisocial behaviour and other related incidents during the early hours and protects businesses and the public keeping Newquay safe.”