A GROUP of Okehampton residents who commute to work in Exeter are appealing for more passengers to come forward so their daily bus service can be saved.

The Exeter Express is currently running at a loss and needs at least seven more passengers so it can be self-funding.

The service was started up two years ago following a call from commuters who wanted a quick and reliable way of getting to work in Exeter.

Travelling via the A30, the bus takes half the time to get to its destination as the Western National bus which stops off in many villages.

Until two weeks ago the service, run by Carmel Coaches, was subsidised by Western National because it used to take the overflow of passengers wishing to return from Exeter to Okehampton in the evenings.

However, since changing its timetable and providing additional buses, Western National has withdrawn its support.

Roger Atkinson, who works at Exeter University, said the Exeter Express reached Okehampton around 8am and avoided the rush hour traffic. It also provided a link-up with commuter trains from Exeter and bus services to East Devon.

'Most people who travel on this bus have to be at work by 8.30am so the Western National bus is not really an option,' he said.

'The only other alternative for us is to car share but I am sure if more people knew about this bus they would use it. The return fare of £4 is probably less than the cost of petrol alone.'

Mr Atkinson said the bus was an environmentally friendly way of travelling and people did care about that sort of thing these days.

The minibus can take 19 passengers and currently has 12 regulars who are at present meeting the extra funds to run the service.

The bus leaves Northlew at 7.10am and picks up in Okehampton West Bridge at 7.30am and Limehayes and Exeter Road.

It arrives at Exeter St David at 8.05am and then calls at Paris Street, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and County Hall.

The return journey leaves Exeter Bus Station at 5.10pm to arrive back in Okehampton by 6pm.

If you are interested in using this service phone Liz Batson on 01837 52975 (evenings)