YOUR readers Peter Swains, Madelaine Simpson and Helen Dennis-Parsons make a number of points about the revisions to our network from April 8 (Echo letters, February 16, 19 and 20).

I fully accept that the decisions we make as a bus operator have an effect on people’s lives. For that reason, we examine the facts very carefully before implementing any changes.

With the exception of routes which are subsidised by Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole, our services have to be commercially sustainable. Where passenger numbers are low, or the route is loss-making, then yes, regrettably, the service will end. In an ideal world, we would like to operate services to every part of the conurbation. However, as a commercial company, we must not only attract customers but also make a profit.

In the specific case of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, we have tried to make a credible service of the R4 and R5 which provide a direct link from Kinson, West Howe and East Howe to Castlepoint and the hospital.

However, the simple truth is that this route is carrying around 200 people a day and operating at a significant loss. It is not commercially sustainable.

Following discussions with the hospital, we will put on one early morning journey for people commuting across to the hospital from April 8. We will still serve the hospital but from April our customers in Kinson, West Howe and East Howe should catch the 5 or 5a to Charminster and change to a 3a.

DAVID SQUIRE

Managing Director, Yellow Buses