DORSET Council has secured £12 million in multi-year government funding to improve bus services but says the cash is still not enough to deliver consistent hourly routes and full Saturday timetables.
The deal, being delivered from 2026/7 to 2028/29, includes £6.8 million to make targeted upgrades such as restoring some Saturday services, and £5.2 million to fund better bus stops and real-time information.
With Cornwall receiving £30 million and Somerset being allocated £22 million, Dorset Council says its share is “significantly lower”.
Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services Cllr Jon Andrews said: “It’s clear Dorset needs a fairer long-term share to match our rural geography and travel needs. We’ll keep pressing for that while making the best use of what we have.”
The authority will agree the delivery schedule with bus operators, prioritising routes and locations where improvements make the biggest difference.
Timetables and infrastructure works will be published once confirmed.
Money for back pockets. . again. like the million that they say went on Weymouth station that no one can see a difference in Weymouth station. It’s a DISGRACE