FURTHER changes to threatened bus services have been announced after a series of packed out public meetings with bus bosses.

Morebus has revealed their latest changes to timetables concerning the X1 and X2 and other routes, after feedback from bus users at consultation meetings.

The operator said their cuts to routes from Bournemouth to Lymington through Highcliffe and New Milton are the result of the ‘largest cuts they have experienced.’ “The sheer scale of these cuts has meant a large scale review of our X1 and X2 and other routes,” said morebus operations director, Ed Wills.

“We have done everything possible to protect services that were previously supported by Hampshire County Council.

“With much reduced funding, we are now running the X1 and X2 on a mainly commercial basis – so the feedback we have gained is hugely valuable in identifying the journeys they value most.

“Our managers were able to talk with those affected by the changes – listening to any concerns or questions about the X1 and X2 as well as other services.

“We can now confirm the changes we plan to introduce. Some of these will begin in March, whilst others will come into effect during May – to tie in with the closure of Lymington Bus Station and to allow us time to make sure everyone is informed.

“We hope the changes will be well received – and I would like to thank all those who contributed to this worthwhile process.”

Concerns were raised by residents and Christchurch councillors over the initially proposed changes, with Highcliffe councillor John Lofts urging action.

CHANGES TO 'X' ROUTES

FROM Monday 9 March.

  • The 5.35pm Lymington to Highcliffe bus on service X1 will be retimed to 5.45pm.

From Sunday 24 May

  • Sunday journeys will be re-introduced during the summer season - and possibly longer if enough passengers use this service.
  • X1 journeys on Sundays will leave Lymington at 9.40am, 11.40am, 1.50pm and 3.50pm - returning from Bournemouth at 11.30am, 1.30pm 3.40pm and 5.40pm.
  •  There will be an extra route X1 bus from Lymington to Christchurch at 2.05pm during schooldays.