Morebus is stepping in to run services across Dorset, following news that fellow bus operator Bournemouth Transport Ltd (Yellow Buses) has entered administration, and will cease trading later this week.
“We are sad to learn that Yellow Buses will soon cease trading, and we understand the impact this will have on those who rely on its services in the region, as well as on its employees,” said Morebus managing director, Andrew Wickham.
“I can reassure local people and visitors to the area that Morebus is now ready to step in, to ensure bus users can still get to where they need to go. We have moved additional vehicles to the area, in order to provide the service needed – including 15 brand new Euro 6, low emissions, buses that Morebus and Bournemouth University have invested in.
“These were delivered ahead of schedule, and are ready for the road – so that our current fleet can be used to fill the gaps left by Yellow Buses.
“For Yellow Buses drivers who are concerned about their careers, I’m pleased to report that Morebus is increasing its rate of pay from this coming Sunday, to £13.00 an hour. And, for a limited period, we will continue to offer our £2,000 welcome bonus for anyone who joins with a PCV licence.
“These benefits are not limited to Yellow Buses drivers – but apply to any drivers who wish to join our team. For anyone who doesn’t already hold a licence, that’s not a problem we can provide full training. We also have vacancies for depot shunters/cleaners, engineers and customer service assistants.
“We recognise the impact a change of operator will have on passengers, and appreciate some people may already have tickets from Yellow Buses. We are happy to accept these up until and including Saturday 13 August, as we welcome new customers on board our award-winning services.
“For anyone who needs to buy ticket bundles and period passes, the Morebus app is the most cost-effective way to do this.
“The app has many other benefits – including journey planning, and tracking buses in real time. All our buses accept contactless payments, including tap on tap off – which is ideal for single and day fares. All our customers need do, is tap on with the driver using the contactless device, and tap off at the special reader by the door when they get off.
“Initially we are introducing a temporary, emergency, timetable – to keep people moving and to ensure there are no gaps in bus services across the area. However, we are planning to increase service levels as soon as we can.”
From Saturday 6 August, Morebus will run the following services:
Routes 1/1b – Bournemouth to Christchurch, Two Riversmeet via Boscombe, Fishermans Walk, Southbourne (1) to Cranleigh Road, (1b) to Tuckton up to every 30 minutes each. Common sections of the routes will be every 15 minutes. The Westbourne, Branksome & Poole section will not operate but our more bus m1/m2 routes serve these areas up to every seven minutes.
Route 1a – Bournemouth to Somerford via Boscombe, Iford, Barrack Road and Christchurch up to every 15 minutes. The section that used to operate to Highcliffe and New Milton will note operate, but customers can use the existing Morebus X1/X2 routes.
Route 2 – Bournemouth to Castlepoint via Station, Springbourne, Boscombe, Iford, Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Townsend Estate (it does not serve Townsend Estate in the evening) up to every 30 minutes. The section that used to serve past Castlepoint to Moordown, Kinson & Bearwood will not operate but customers can use the Morebus route 14 between Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castlepoint and Kinson instead. Route 6a will connect Kinson and Bearwood.
Route 4 – Bournemouth to Castlepoint via Station, Winton, Moordown & Muscliffe up to every 30 minutes. This route will then continue as a route 2, so those needing Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Iford can stay on the same bus. However, it will not continue to Christchurch.
Route 5/5a – Bournemouth to Kinson via Station, Charminster, Winton, Ensbury Park, East Howe (5) to Cunningham Crescent, Columbia Road (5a) to Maclean Road and Moore Avenue. Will run up to every 30 minutes on each route, and every 15 minutes on the common sections.
Route 6/6a – Bournemouth to Kinson via Station, Winton, University, Wallisdown, High Howe & Bearwood up to every 30 minutes. Extending from Kinson to Wimborne (6) and Bearwood (6a) up to every hour.
Route 737 – Bournemouth to Airport via Station, Winton, Moordown, Parley & Aviation Park. There will be two morning journeys to Airport and three afternoon journeys returning.
For more timetable information, please visit morebus.co.uk