Poole bus partnership named as national best practice by Department for Transport

The partnership between BCP Council and local operator Morebus has been highlighted as a national example of best practice in the Department for Transport's newly published Enhanced Partnership Manual.

The recognition follows several joint initiatives run since 2023. The flagship campaign, 'It's Free to Go by Bus', was launched in August of that year to help older and disabled residents reclaim their free travel passes after concessionary journeys fell by 36 per cent during the pandemic. A separate 'Commuter Club' campaign and improvements to safety at bus stops across the area were also cited.

For Poole residents, the practical upshot is that local bus services have been actively shaped by a council-operator relationship that is now considered a model for other areas. Morebus routes serve much of the town, connecting the quay, the high street, Canford Heath and outlying neighbourhoods.

Residents who have not yet made use of their free bus pass — available to those over 60 or with eligible disabilities — can find out more through Morebus or BCP Council's transport pages. BCP Council: BCP Council and Morebus partnership recognised nationally for best practice