Summer pledge over Christchurch bus service (From Bournemouth Echo)

Summer pledge over Christchurch bus service

7:00pm Monday 23rd November 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

DORSET County Council has reassured local bus users in Christchurch that their services will continue to run until at least next summer.

The county council and Christchurch Borough Council took over the running of the services in May after Wilts and Dorset called time on the former X12 and C1 and C2 routes.

The bus company cited the difficult economic climate as the main reason behind the move and said the threat of a fine from the Traffic Commissioner over delays to the timetable caused by local traffic congestion was also a contributing factor.

But following pleas from local residents worried about being left stranded the two authorities stepped in to take action, starting an initial three-month interim service with Transdev Yellow Buses and Shamrock Buses.

Now, after discussions with both of the providers and the borough council, the contract has been extended until the end of July 2010.

A council spokesperson said the services would now be subject to the general reprocurement process along with the rest of the county’s bus services.

They added: “We have extended the contract until July 31 and the bus services will continue to be operated by the existing C1 and C2 operators with the 21 service continuing with Transdev Yellow Buses.”

They confirmed that there would be no change to the existing timetables.

Leader of Christchurch Borough Council Cllr Alan Griffiths said: “I am pleased that the current service continues to be protected by Dorset County Council.

“And I am confident that there will be an improved service for Christchurch when the final plan can be implemented.”