Bus company Wilts & Dorset has announced that 19 of its services within Poole and Bournemouth will be “enhanced” from June 3.

Many of the selected routes will see improvements including earlier morning or later evening buses, more frequent services to meet demand and small route changes.

Managing director Andrew Wickham, who was appointed operations director when the Go Ahead group acquired the company in 2003, says passenger numbers have risen by 28.8 per cent over the last six years.

“We are constantly monitoring our services and listening to customers’ suggestions, it’s the only way that we can maximise the resources of our drivers and our bus fleet to carry as many people as possible, especially as local authorities continue to have budgets squeezed for route subsidies,” he said.

“The changes are designed to make bus travel more convenient for the majority of our customers and the continued passenger growth is proof that we are creating a substantially more user-friendly network.”

Key changes to services include a new 8 and 9 circular for residents of Oakdale, Creekmoor, Upton, Turlin Moor and Hamworthy with an improved every 15minute around the harbour service, and the route becoming part of the “more” brand.

The 14 will extend to offer Kinson residents a bus to Poole every 30 minutes. And there is a new link to Poole hospital with route 11 from Bearwood.

The growing popularity of night buses sees improvements for Thursday, Friday and Saturdays with a brand new bus route N3 added to connect Bournemouth, Char-minster, Winton, Moordown, Ensbury Park and the university.

Full details of changes to services are available from wdbus.co.uk or 01983 827005.