Christchurch, Motoring & Transport | Posted on January 3rd, 2025 | return to news
Bus travel improvements planned for Christchurch
Work starts next week to improve the travel experience for people using Morebus services in Christchurch.
Waiting for a bus is to be made more comfortable for Christchurch passengers.
Work begins on 6 January to replace the existing stops along the High Street. Two larger stainless-steel shelters on either side of the road will include glass roofs, full width seating including space for wheelchair users, and raised kerbs to allow easy level access on and off the bus.
The shelters will also be fitted with electronic displays to provide up-to-the-minute information on bus departures, and CCTV with high-definition footage live streamed direct to the council’s control room for added passenger security.
In addition to improving accessibility to the bus for wheelchair and pushchair users, existing raised brick planters will be removed and replaced with smaller pedestal planters, so that the pavement outside Christchurch Library can be widened to provide more space for pedestrians. Additional benches will also be installed.
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said: “It’s great to be investing in improving the pedestrian experience in Christchurch High Street, and especially the facilities for bus users. The team have been successful in getting a government grant for these changes and worked closely with Morebus to ensure passengers and the wider public benefit in this busy shopping area.”
The improvement works have been funded as part of BCP Council’s successful bid to the government for £8.9m to deliver the conurbation’s Bus Service Improvement Plan. They have been scheduled for the quietest time of the year to minimise disruption to businesses and are expected to take 12 weeks to complete.
Andrew Wickham, managing director at Morebus, said: “I’m pleased to see these latest improvements by BCP Council will benefit those travelling on our 1a, 1b, 1c, x1, x2, 24 and 33 buses through Christchurch.
“Measures like these are instrumental in making bus travel more attractive – helping to entice even more people out of their cars and onto the bus.
“We are expecting these better bus stops to be well received here and will be continuing to work with BCP Council with a view to further improvements in the future. If we can persuade more people to travel by bus, we have the potential to remove cars from the road and help reduce congestion across this area.”
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