A NEW through bus service has been provided to link Plymouth city centre with villages in the Rame Peninsula, following pressure on provider First UK Bus from the Rame Community Transport Group (RCTG).

The new service bridges the gap in provision for Rame residents which existed between midday and 4pm, says the group.

As of November 5 on school days, passengers on the 81A service leaving Plymouth city centre at 2.39pm are able to remain on the bus after the stop at Torpoint bus depot at 3.11pm, and use their ticket to travel on to Antony, Millbrook and Cawsand.

Previously passengers for the Rame Peninsula were required to disembark at the depot and walk to Torpoint Community School to purchase a new ticket on the separate 81 service.

First has come under criticism from users for not publicising the change to the service and RCTG printed posters to inform residents of the change.

'We produced some posters and put them in all the shelters around the Rame Peninsula,' said committee member Nigel Bruce-Robertson.

At the time of printing it was not clear from First's online timetable that the new through service exists, but the company provided this statement:

'On November 5 an additional journey was created going directly from Plymouth to the Rame Peninsula's outlying villages on the Service 81/81A.

'Two bus journeys – the Service 81A which leaves from Plymouth city centre at 2.39pm and the Service 81 which leaves Torpoint School at 3.30pm – were connected to allow residents of the Rame Peninsula an extra afternoon journey back from Plymouth.

'Understandably some confusion has arisen surrounding the new through journey. We would like to reassure customers that the journey is operating and requires only one ticket. Customers do not need to change buses.'