Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and Morebus have confirmed plans to maintain and improve more than 1.3 million annual bus journeys across the region.
The partnership will secure all eighteen existing subsidised routes, including Route One, 18 and 36, while adding services to Royal Bournemouth Hospital from Poole, Penn Hill, Lilliput, Westbourne and Bournemouth.
A review of the subsidised network has allowed some routes to become commercially viable, reducing the council’s financial contribution by over £400,000 per year.
Councillors will consider recommendations on February 4, including merging Routes 46 and 81 to support pupils travelling to Avonbourne Academies.
Two school-specific routes, 40 and 425, will be phased out, but closely matching public services will remain for students. More than 2,900 residents contributed feedback during consultation, helping the council target funding effectively.
Councillor Andy Hadley said the partnership keeps communities connected while reducing taxpayer costs. Richard Wade of Morebus added that the collaboration preserves most of the network and reflects current travel needs.
The council will reinvest savings from these changes into local support services, including carers, foster care, library books, and SEND provision.
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