If you think bus services in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area could be improved, now is the time to put forward your views.

The Bus Back Better: Improved bus services survey is open until 7 January next year.

In October 2021, BCP Council published its Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP), which was developed in partnership with local bus operators – Yellow Buses, more and First Bus Wessex.

The BSIP details the existing bus offer currently available to residents and visitors in the BCP area, the challenges to increasing bus use and then proposals for improvement.

Cllr Mike Greene, portfolio holder for Sustainability and Transport, said: “We want our bus service to be fit for purpose and be the transport of choice for residents and visitors. Sustainable public transport, which is efficient, convenient and cost effective, will bring benefits to not just the individual. Sustainable transport will play a key part in our goal to tackling climate change.”

The new survey asks for views on 11 specific actions which were identified in the BSIP.

Cllr Mike Greene continued: “We need to tackle the misconceptions of bus travel and address the negative perception that many people have. We want bus travel to be accessible, comfortable and quicker, and we know that making improvements to the service is the best way for us to encourage behaviour change.

“I encourage everyone to take part in this survey, not just regular bus users.”

Following this short survey, the next stage will be to finalise the Enhanced Partnership Plan and Enhanced Partnership Scheme which will commence on 31 March 2022. The EP Plan will run from April 2022 until March 2025, whilst the EP Scheme will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Take part in the survey by visiting haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/bus-better. Alternatively visit www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Libraries/Your-local-library/Your-local-library.aspx for a paper-copy version.