
A full review of subsidised bus routes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is now underway, and the public are being asked to help shape the future of local transport.
BCP Council currently supports 24 bus services, including six school routes, using funding from both its own budget and the Department for Transport (DfT).
Last year, it spent £1.54 million to keep the services running. This year, £2.66 million has been received from the DfT to support service improvements, with a similar amount expected next year.
The council is reviewing how the funding is used to ensure money is being spent where it is most needed. Changes could include adjusting frequencies, re-routing services or combining routes where appropriate.
Councillor Andy Hadley said the consultation would help update the council’s understanding of how people are using local buses and ensure support goes to the most essential routes.
The public can give feedback until 11:59pm on 18 August this year. Survey forms are available on buses, in libraries, and online.
Any changes would come into effect from May 2026, with school transport changes not expected until the following academic year.
This is the first network-wide review of subsidised services since BCP Council was formed.