Bournemouth, Motoring & Transport | Posted on June 9th, 2026 | return to news

Bournemouth bus travel trial for disabled pass holders

People in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who hold disability passes can now travel on the bus for just £1 at weekends.

As part of a trial, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole holders of a Disabled Person’s English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) pass are now able to travel on Morebus before 9.30am and after 11pm on weekdays for just £1 per journey.

Travel between 9.30am and 11pm remains free, while weekend and Bank Holiday travel continues to be free at all times.

The trial includes night buses, supporting those travelling outside typical hours, including shift workers.

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council Cabinet member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “We know how highly our residents value their bus passes. Last year, more than 5.7 million journeys were made using concessionary bus passes across BCP. These passes provide free off-peak access to our extensive bus network, helping people to reach shops, healthcare services, community activities, as well as family and friends.

“For many people, these services also provide access to work, education and training. We want to support those journeys, and if the trial proves successful, we will work with our bus operator partners to explore extending it and potentially making it a permanent feature of the scheme.”

Available to BCP residents for journeys starting within the BCP area, the scheme is funded through the government’s Local Area Bus Grant, with £50,000 allocated from BCP Council’s 2026/27 funding.

The trial responds to requests from disabled residents of working age for more flexible travel to support access to work, education and training.

There are around 6,500 Disabled ENCTS pass holders in BCP. The trial does not apply to Older Persons’ bus passes. Its impact will be monitored to inform future decisions.

Richard Wade, Morebus general manager, said: “It is important to us that everyone in our region has easy access to bus services, whatever their circumstances.

“We know how vital buses can be for those who would otherwise find it difficult to get out and about. This is why it is vital, for social inclusion, that we and our local authority partners ensure our network is accessible for all.

“This trial is an excellent initiative, and we’re pleased to be working closely with BCP Council, with funding from the government’s Local Area Bus Grant, to make it possible.”