Devonian Motor Sertvices

Well I have done a week now at Devonian Motor Services. Only 4 days but that gives me plenty of time for other things like sleeping and taking photos. The first day, last Monday, I drove the Cockington Clipper which provides a service from Paignton to Cockington complimenting the existing Local Link service 62 from Torquay. Parking is permitted on the lane into Cockington until Good Friday so that made for one or two tight squeezes. Easter was late this year so in future years it shouldn't be a problem.

The other bus I drove was the open top service, the 500. This runs from Torbay Rd near the Level Crossing (only a couple of minutes from the bus station) and follows a circular route which includes the World Famous Paignton Zoo ( show your bus ticket at the Zoo and get a £1 off the entrance fee), down Penwill Way for stunning views of the South of the Bay including Berry Head and onto Broadsands for equally stunning views of Torquay and the North of the Bay. It passes under the South Devon Rail line at the huge bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel before a short trip along the ring road with views of the green Devon countryside before picking up at Beverley and Hoburne Holiday Parks. Tickets can be bought for individual journeys or a day ticket is available, Hop on Hop off for £4.00 and can be used on both services, or if you just fancy a round trip then it is £3.50. Children's fares a work out at 60% of adult fare and English Concessionary passes are accepted on all out services.

One of the things I have done is look up the bus which is a Leyland Olympian, ECW bodywork and reg number A 146 OFR. This bus first entered service in March 1984 with the Ribble Bus Company. It was one of four, 144 to 147 but it has moved about quiet a lot since. the other 3 buses seemed to have vanished but put the reg number in your search engine and you will find several photos of this bus in various liveries from different parts of the country. I'm working Tuesday on the Cockington Clipper and Wednesday, Friday and Sat on the Open Top this coming week. Hope the weather holds up.

Devonian Motor Services Website is here