Morebus is to reinstate night buses along its M1 and M2 routes between Bournemouth and Poole from this weekend.
The N1 and N2 – along with an N5 route between Bournemouth and University Talbot Campus – will begin service on Friday, September 20.
The new timetable will see a full 24 hour service on the N1 and N2 on Friday nights through to Saturday and from Saturday through to Sunday.
Richard Wade, Morebus General Manager, said: “We ran a consultation earlier this summer, to establish which buses would be most useful in the late evenings and early mornings, and we learned that people would be keen to travel with us during these times for work, rail and coach connections, as well as for nights out.
“So we have reintroduced our N1 route, which is identical to our very popular M1 route, and the N2 is identical to the M2 – as far as Southbourne, where it will be extended to Christchurch Two Rivers Meet.
“When we operated the N1 and N2 pre-covid, there were differences to the standard route in Ashley Cross and Lansdowne.
“This time, we have decided to keep it the same as the daytime route because we know those travelling with us will find this useful.
“The N1 and N2 buses will also provide vital links to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, for those needing to reach it during the night.”
“Our decision to also run the N5 will benefit students – but also Winton, Moordown and Charminster residents heading to Bournemouth, or late night establishments in the area.
“Although this service doesn’t quite provide the same 24 hour cover, it is very close to doing that.
“With some excellent feedback gained during our consultation process, we are expecting the night buses to be very well-received among those living in and visiting the area.
“And car drivers now have a great reason to leave their vehicles at home and opt for sustainable transport during the evening instead.”