Dorset Council approves biggest transport transformation in a generation

An ambitious programme to transform travel across Dorset has been given the green light, paving the way for improved, more frequent and better-connected public and community transport.

Dorset Council’s Cabinet has approved a seven-year plan that will drive forward a complete transformation of transport services across the county, starting from next summer. 

Designed to help people get to local shops, work, education, healthcare appointments and community activities more easily, the programme will create 700 additional bus journeys, introduce a full Saturday service and new strategic routes plus double the frequency of buses in some areas. 

Alongside improvements to Dorset Council's supported bus network and core routes linking rural communities and market towns, the programme will support more people to travel independently and access travel opportunities closer to home.

Cllr. Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: "Good transport opens doors. It helps people get to work, education, healthcare, shops and social activities, and plays a huge part in tackling isolation and supporting independence.

"Many residents, particularly in our rural communities, want better transport options and better connections to the places that matter most to them. This programme sets out a clear long-term plan to help more people stay connected to opportunities, services and each other."

The £65m programme will be delivered in phases and funded through a combination of existing transport budgets, government funding, developer contributions and future external funding opportunities. Any future additional investment will be considered through the council's normal budget-setting process.

It will help:

• Young people and adults to travel more confidently and interpendently though a new Independent Travel Training service. This will open up more access to education, employment and community life.
• Residents who need extra support will have more transport options to help them stay active, connected and independent by expanding community transport services.
• Make getting to healthcare appointment easier and less stressful, thanks to better co-ordination between transport and health services.
• People living in areas without regular bus routes will have access to more flexible transport services that fit around local needs via a new ‘in-demand’ service.

Cllr. Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, Communications, Performance and Safeguarding, said: "By improving connections between our towns, villages and services, we're helping people access opportunities, supporting local businesses and creating stronger, more connected communities.

"For a rural county like Dorset, transport can too often be a barrier. This programme will give people more choice, greater independence and better access to the services they rely on, while also supporting our ambition for a thriving economy and sustainable future."

Tim Christian, General Manager at Dorset Community Transport, said: "We think that the new plan will make a real difference to people in Dorset. It sees transport as an engine of economic and social development, recognises that community transport has a part to play and integrates it into in almost every area where transport is needed. We look forward to taking part as it gets going.”

Dorset Council will continue to support residents who require specialist transport, while creating more opportunities for people to travel independently and use public and community transport services where appropriate. This approach is designed to help more people remain connected and independent while ensuring specialist support remains available for those who need it.

The council is now working with partners to develop the programme further. More detailed information about routes, services and delivery plans will be published ahead of implementation.