Journalism & News from Bournemouth University

Two Dorset school bus services to be axed

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Purbeck Breezer 40 at Swanage Station
Purbeck Breezer 40 at Swanage Station | Photo by Chris Sampson

BCP Council stated their intention to protect 1.3 million Morebus journeys. For further context, you can read here.

In the agenda of BCP’s Cabinet Meeting due on 4th February, it is stated that continuing to subsidise certain routes is not sustainable.

The council has engaged with the Department for Transport (DfT) Bus Reform Team.

They claimed that a revised subsidised network is eligible to be funded from £2,621,127 by the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) 26/27 revenue allocation.

The council intend to axe school route 40, running from Hamworthy to St. Edward’s and St. Mary’s schools by the end of this academic year.

The press release stated that services 8 and 9 ‘closely replicate’ service 40.

Additionally, the 425 bus route will not exist by the end of the 26/27 academic year.

This is part of the agenda’s ‘Option 3’, considered the most sustainable in the long term.

BCP Council have reviewed the impact on children that use these school services, stating there are ‘suitable options via commercial services’.

However, the reduced timescale agreed with Morebus involves the possibility of employee contract terminations or variations.

Under the Education Act 1996, local authorities must provide free home-to-school services for Special Education Needs (SEN) pupils.

The agenda report stated that few SEN pupils utilise these services.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder with responsibility for sustainable travel at BCP Council, said:

“We’re having to make really difficult decisions because of pressure on the Council’s budget from rising SEND costs.”

He added:

“An unhelpful financial settlement that has left BCP with less money, and a reduction in funding for buses across our three towns.”

Moreover, local authorities do not have to run public bus networks.

Instead, they will offer transport such as private buses or taxis.

The agenda report also stated that the withdrawal may have varying public health implications.

Overall, the proposed revised network is affordable when utilising Local Authority Bus Grants.

This academic year marks the end of the 40 for Hamworthy pupils.