BCP Council says residents will feel disappointed after it confirmed that funding for bus service improvements over the next three years will be lower than the amount received this year.
The Government has awarded £7,863,381 across a multi-year period, which works out at £2,621,127 each year, a five per cent reduction from the current grant.
Councillor Andy Hadley said the certainty of a three-year deal is helpful, but the reduced allocation adds pressure at a time when the public had been led to expect wider improvements.
He said residents will feel let down by funding being moved elsewhere and explained that the national concessionary fare scheme places added strain on BCP budgets.
Councillor Chris Rigby said the figures show there is “nothing to celebrate”, noting that Dorset Council and other areas will see increases while BCP faces a reduction. He questioned why more support was not being secured for local passengers.
Responding to these concerns, Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes said future annual transport funding under the current Government will increase from next year and encouraged the council to seek more private investment from major employers. He also raised concerns about previous council spending decisions.
An inclusive transport event hosted by the MP will take place on 12 December to discuss improvements for people with additional needs.
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