Jessica Toale MP and Neil Duncan-Jordan MP unite to save vital bus routes in Bournemouth and Poole

Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale has joined forces with Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan to challenge proposed cuts to essential bus routes that serve as lifelines for vulnerable, disabled, and older residents across the area.

In a joint letter to the Leader of BCP Council, they express deep concern about the potential withdrawal of several bus routes following a recent consultation on bus subsidies. They are particularly concerned about cuts to key routes between the town centres, Winton, Hamworthy and East Cliff.

The proposed removal of the number 36 service has sparked the strongest reaction from constituents in Bournemouth West. The route, which serves Talbot Village, Kinson, and West Howe, has been described by many residents - including pensioners - as vital for accessing essential shops, healthcare, and community services.

Jessica explains that, for many users of the 36 route, no practical alternative exists dubbing this route a 'lifeline'.

Jessica Toale MP said: "The number 36 route serves Talbot Village, Kinson, and West Howe - areas where many elderly residents depend on this service as their lifeline to essential shops, healthcare, and their community. I've heard from residents in their eighties who tell me this bus is vital for their independence. For many users, no practical alternative exists, and without it, some will be forced into isolation or expensive alternatives they simply can't afford."

Neil is particularly concerned about the 8/9 Hamworthy Circulars, which already run just once an hour for much of the day, and the number 20, which also runs hourly with no Sunday service. Both are heavily relied upon by older residents who cannot reasonably walk to alternative bus routes.

Neil said: "These threatened routes offer a much needed lifeline to lots of local residents. For a council that is committed to getting people out of their cars, they really need to be taking a more joined up approach. Let’s see more support for public transport and a commitment that services will be safe – rather than cutting the bus routes on which some of our most isolated residents rely."

Both MPs express particular concern about a statement in the consultation document committing to "gradually remove the bus subsidy budget" in the council's Medium-Term Financial Plan, questioning whether this undermines the integrity of the consultation process.

The letter outlines how BCP Council has received £6 million from the UK Government specifically to sustain and expand local bus services, as part of the government's ambitious target to increase bus usage by 50% by 2035.

"Cutting essential transport links for short-term savings would be counterproductive," says Jessica. "Impacting community cohesion, increasing social isolation, and worsening congestion and emissions across the area."

While acknowledging the significant financial pressures facing the council, particularly around SEND provision and legacy challenges from previous administrations, the MPs urge the administration to ensure a genuine consultation process and work with government and local stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.

The joint letter asks for an urgent meeting and calls on BCP Council to reconsider any pre-determined commitments to removing bus subsidies and to protect the routes that local people rely on for their independence, wellbeing and economic participation.

"Final decisions must reflect the needs of residents and the long-term priorities of the area," adds Jessica.

Read the letter in full.

Letter on bus services in Bournemouth and Poole.pdf

Download PDF • 183KB