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Dorset Council agrees £67.6m transport transformation plan for more buses and routes
Overview
Dorset Council's cabinet has unanimously approved a £67.6m, seven-year transport transformation programme aimed at improving public transport across the rural county. The plan includes more frequent buses, Saturday services, new routes, and community transport services starting from summer 2027. While council leaders praise the initiative for creating a joined-up system and supporting independent travel, some councillors have raised concerns regarding unbudgeted elements and a lack of formal commitment from NHS partners.
Key points
- Dorset Council's cabinet agreed to a £67.6m, seven-year transport transformation programme involving £39.3m in additional investment.
- The first improvements to core routes will begin in summer 2027, adding more than 700 journeys each week.
- The plan aims to shift funding from specialist transport toward strengthening the wider transport system, including Saturday services and new routes.
- Proposals also feature Demand Responsive Transport, an Independent Travel Training service, and greater collaboration with the NHS.
- Some councillors expressed concern over NHS collaboration due to a lack of a quantified commitment or confirmed budget from the health partner.