Dorset’s Transport Action Groups (TAGs) have written a joint letter to Dorset Council urging them to use the newly announced three-year government bus funding to strengthen existing services and deliver real improvements for passengers across the county.
Whilst Dorset has secured £12m bus funding from the government over the next three years, this might sound like a lot of money, but it falls far short of funding given to other counties. So prioritising the money in order to meet the identified needs of bus users is going to be crucial.
In their coordinated submission, representing bus users from across Dorset, the TAG’s argued that protecting and improving the current network must take priority over launching new routes.
TAG members say passengers consistently want longer operating hours, improved frequency of services and more reliable services on weekdays including Saturdays – many town services are still limited to Monday-to-Friday operation. Evening buses on key routes were identified as a particular gap affecting workers, young people and those without access to cars.
Among the priority improvements the TAG’s have asked Dorset Council to consider are:
- Better evening services on the Poole–Swanage Service 40, including a summer diversion via Harmans Cross.
- Increased frequency on the X54 between Weymouth and Wareham.
- Restoration of the Dorchester–Bridport X51 hourly service and the return of winter Sunday journeys.
- Reinstatement of the Sherborne–Yeovil Service 57 daytime link.
- New direct access by bus to Bournemouth Hospital from Wareham, Upton and Wimborne.
- Support for community minibus services serving Swanage, Norden and Durlston Country Park.
The TAGs also want Dorset Council to explore more flexible contracts with operators so services can respond quickly to changing demand.
Alongside service improvements, investment in new buses for Community Rail routes and upgraded passenger facilities — including improved shelters at Dorchester Trinity Street — has been highlighted as essential.
Chair of the Dorchester Transport Action Group, Stewart Palmer, said “The proposals are intended to help Dorset Council maximise benefits for passengers despite funding levels being lower than hoped, and the groups are seeking ongoing involvement as spending decisions are developed”.