Major Bus Service Changes Arrive in Poole This May

Poole residents will see significant changes to their bus services starting 23 May 2026, as Morebus implements a new summer timetable that includes both expanded routes and service reductions. These adjustments follow the first comprehensive review of council-subsidised bus services conducted by BCP Council since its formation in 2019.

The most notable improvement for Poole passengers is the extension of Route 20. The service will now travel beyond Castlepoint to Christchurch via the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Southbourne, offering a new direct travel option for hospital appointments and regional trips.

However, the network update also includes reductions prompted by funding pressures. Evening services on Routes 8 and 9 are being revised following the withdrawal of council funding for evening and Sunday journeys. Additionally, the 23:10 late-night service from Poole to Kinson on Route 14 will be withdrawn, though passengers heading to Wallisdown can use Route 17 as an alternative. Daytime services for Routes 11 and 21 are also moving to an hourly frequency.

The changes come after a network-wide review, which aimed to address the rising costs of subsidising bus travel. While these cuts were necessary to manage the budget, the council confirmed it has preserved 99 percent of its subsidised bus journeys, protecting approximately 1.3 million annual trips across the region. Morebus General Manager Richard Wade stated that the operator worked closely with the council to maintain a high proportion of the network while establishing new links to meet current needs.

In other changes starting 23 May 2026, Routes X1 and X2 will be renumbered to 81 and 82 and will join the New Forest Breezer network. Passengers should also be aware that Gervis Place in Bournemouth town centre will close for approximately eight months due to redevelopment, which will affect several bus stops and routes.