In the second of two articles* about Stagecoach South West’s Gold-branded premium routes, CHRISTOPHER CARTER puts all four to the test on the same day and awards himself a bracing bonus ride on an open-topper — but finds that some Golds are not gold
Part one last month
On a delightful October weekday, I aim to travel the entire Stagecoach South West Gold standard network – comprising four south Devon routes – without using any other buses. A bargain £8 Explorer day ticket covers my 150mile-plus itinerary, valid throughout its network from Bude to Lyme Regis and Plymouth to Taunton including all Gold routes as the sub-brand’s ‘luxury at no extra cost’ marketing implies. Without one I would pay around £30 in separate fares.
There are no time restrictions, although in 2008 a 25% surcharge was introduced before 09.30 on weekdays. Weekly, monthly and annual tickets were also greatly inflated if using the X38 (Plymouth-Exeter) and X46 (Exeter-Paignton), as I am today. The unpopular fare hikes lasted less than a year. Paignton bus station is busy as drivers check buses. This is a base for 19 vehicles, with another 58 – including Torbay’s Gold fleet – kept at Torquay depot 4miles away. Most stands are occupie…
