A new bus service between Seaton and Exeter has been launched and another has had its route extended to connect more local communities in Devon.

Thanks to funding awarded by the Department for Transport to Devon County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan, the new X30 service has been launched from Seaton to Exeter, and the 85 from Tavistock to Barnstaple has undergone enhancements.

The X30 Exeter Express Service is a new Monday to Friday link from Seaton to Exeter, via Colyford, Colyton and Honiton. It provides new links from the Seaton area to Skypark, Exeter Science Park, The Met Office, Exeter Business Park and Exeter College Technology Centre, as well as a faster journey from Honiton to these locations, running directly via the A30.

The X30 also provides a direct link from Colyford and Colyton to Exeter.

Service 85 operates between Barnstaple, Bideford and Holsworthy and has now been extended to Tavistock via Launceston. This provides a new link from North Devon and Torridge to Tavistock for services to Plymouth, as well as Monday – Saturday links between Holsworthy, Launceston and Tavistock.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: "The new and enhanced links provided by these bus services are among the targeted improvements we're able to make using funding through the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

"It's enabling many more communities to benefit from better public transport connectivity. Despite a difficult financial backdrop we're continuing to do everything we can for bus passengers and ensuring that the funding available for bus services goes as far as possible."

Roads Minister Richard Holden said: "People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have provided Devon County Council with over £14 million of funding through their Bus Service Improvement Plan.

"Supporting bus operators in Devon with providing the new X30 service and expanding the 85 route is great for local residents, who will now benefit and be able to make the most of the fantastic work, business and leisure opportunities Devon has to offer."

The X30 and 85 service are both operated by Stagecoach South West and the £2 single fare cap will apply to single journeys on both services until the end of June 2023, giving opportunities for travel to work, college, or days out at a bargain price.

The full range of Stagecoach Megarider Gold and Explorer tickets are also available on these services. Visit www.stagecoachbus.com for further details or for more information on bus travel in Devon visit www.traveldevon.info