MOREBUS has won a new 10-year contract to operate a successful fleet of buses for Bournemouth University students.

The company will continue running buses between Bournemouth and Poole town centres and the university’s Talbot Campus.

Passenger numbers on the route have already grown by 140 per cent since 2009-10.

The buses, with a distinctive livery, run between Bournemouth town centre and the campus, with others running to Poole.

Bournemouth University and the bus company say the latest deal will allow greater development of the service for staff and students. They are also keen to encourage the general public to use the service.

It is expected that almost one million passenger journeys will be completed on the route this academic year.

The new bus fleet will consist of 12 low emission double-deckers, equipped with some of the most advanced technology possible to reduce pollution and improve fuel economy.

The new contract will bring a number of improvements including increased frequency of buses, seven-day access to the campuses, and a range of measures to encourage students and staff to use the bus.

Jim Andrews, chief operating officer at Bournemouth University, said, “The University Bus Service provides an essential public transport solution for students, staff and the community. “The university has invested heavily in the service and passenger numbers have grown significantly over the last five years. We expect the new service to provide over a million passenger journeys in the first year, and we anticipate greater growth in passenger numbers over the life time of the contract.

“The new service will offer a high quality high frequency public transport option for the local public, as well as university passengers”.

Andrew Wickham, Morebus managing director, said: “We are privileged to be awarded this tender and are excited to be working in partnership to further develop and grow the success of the University bus network over the coming 10 years.”

Bournemouth and Poole have seen a revival in bus travel in recent years. Poole saw the highest growth in bus journeys of anywhere in England between 2004-2014, at 72 per cent, while Bournemouth was second at 62 per cent.