BUSES UPDATE

10.25.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 12th Oct 2007

Buses: an update.

Just as it looked as though everything was beginning to settle down after last summers dramatic cuts in services residents are once again being let down by Wilts and Dorset buses.

It has been announced that the company is pulling out of the Route18 and 19 service. Corfe Mullen residents will be worst hit by this loss of service so the fight goes on for better subsidies from Dorset County Council which has a duty to provide a bus service which meets the social needs of the community.

Parts of Broadstone, for example, Lancaster Drive will also lose out but there is some good news for Broadstone residents in that Transdev Yellow buses have agreed to take over the service. As Poole was in part subsidizing the Corfe Mullen part of the route, and is no longer prepared to do so, it means a slightly improved service for West Way residents.

Discussions are still progressing around Shamrock's Service 32.

Following a recent meeting between Annette Brooke MP and Transportation officers we pleased to confirm:

 the possibility of using "low floor" buses on Service 32 is being explored and the prospects are promising.

 The possibility of extending some Service 32 journeys to/from Wimborne is being reviewed.

Annette continues to press for the Wimborne Flyer to be diverted through Sopwith Crescent, Merley. Whilst Wilts and Dorset have agreed to consider this they have not yet agreed to actually do it. The fight goes on.

It is essential the needs of residents who have been isolated by all the recent service changes are catered for. There has been some talk of developing major tram or trolley bus schemes across the conurbation. Trolley buses would be more flexible however there is a desperate requirement to resolve the problems in the short term. A more radical approach is needed in terms of both the subsidies and the type of vehicle used. The prime corridors could be served by a series of minibuses which circulate through the residential areas. We will be urging our council officers to look into the viability of this approach. We would also welcome any suggestions you might have to improve the nature of our bus services.