Council unveils public transport improvement plans

The council said it would aim at improving accessibility, particularly for rural communities

A council has revealed plans to enhance public transport through a series of projects.

Dorset Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) includes more frequent services and launching community transport schemes.

Developed in partnership with local transport operators, the plan aims to achieve improvements in areas including Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Sturminster Newton, and Gillingham, while maintaining enhanced routes between Wimborne, Ferndown, and Bournemouth, the council says.

Jon Andrews, the council's cabinet member for place services, said the improvements would benefit "residents and visitors alike".

Dorset was allocated £3.3m of Bus Grant funding as part of the government's £670m funding to enable local authorities to deliver their BSIPs.

The delivery plan, which was approved on 20 March, is conditional on its submission and publication online.

The council said it would aim at boosting public transport use and improving accessibility, particularly for rural communities.

The BSIP also envisions trialling an electric minibus to promote a sustainable, low-emission fleet.

Mr Andrews called the projects planned for 2025/26 "incredibly exciting".

"From improved bus services to infrastructure upgrades and electric vehicle trials, these improvements will make transport more accessible, reliable, and sustainable, benefitting residents and visitors alike."

But he added that Dorset "remains disadvantaged by the current funding allocation formula".

"The money we've received from government is only a small part of what is required to transform the bus network across Dorset, and longer-term funding is key to us achieving our BSIP vision," Mr Andrews said.

"We will work closely with our MPs to advocate for fairer funding in the future to truly unlock the potential of public transport across our county."