MOREBUS has released new timetables for its bus services with several withdrawn in the New Forest area.

The firm announced earlier this month that it would be reducing services in the wake of what it called ‘substantial cuts’ in its local government funding.

The changes, which come into effect on January 4 next year, will see some weekend services withdrawn, the number of buses per day reduced and some routes transferred to other operators.

Last week a group of pensioners from Westwoods & Glendene Park in Bashley Cross Road, New Milton, called for their bus – the 191 – to be preserved during weekdays after the Saturday service was withdrawn.

“It is not exaggerating to say that service is a lifeline,” said park manager Stella Foster.

“The Saturday service isn’t so important, as the residents have family and friends to help them, but during the week it is the only safe way for them to get into the town centre.

“It is very good news that it hasn’t been changed so far, but we are worried they might decide to withdraw the service in future.”

Morebus’ updated timetable shows the 191 service, travelling between New Milton and Chatsworth Park, will continue to operate three buses per day during the week.

A spokesman for the firm said it had ‘worked hard’ to maintain those services.

Other routes will suffer more severe reductions, including the X1 and X2 which travel between Bournemouth and Lymington via Christchurch, Highcliffe, New Milton and Milford on Sea.

Changes include the withdrawal of the Sunday service in both directions, and on weekdays there will be four fewer eastbound buses leaving a total of 22 daily, as well as seven fewer travelling from Lymington towards Bournemouth – leaving 28.

Morebus’ operations manager for the area, Gary Rose, said Hampshire County Council was removing ‘the vast majority’ of its subsidy for several routes.

Other bus routes altered include the 38, 118, 120, 175, 191, 755, 774 and 780.

Visit morebus.co.uk for more information.

Firm wins major gong

MOREBUS was recently presented with a bronze award in the Top Shire Operator category at the 2014 UK Bus Awards.

The award praised the firm’s emphasis on the bus stop as its ‘shop window’, its ‘close relationships with stakeholders’ and its staff training and recognition programme. Awards chairman Tony Depledge said: “Where authorities and operators align their priorities and develop schemes together the results can inspire the whole industry for the constant improvement in service quality that our passengers deserve.”