Published on Thursday 26 March 2026
Residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) are set to benefit from improved concessionary bus passes on services across the area.
Councillors have approved a programme of bus service improvements for the next year and as part of this, disabled passengers with concessionary fares entitlement will be able to travel before 9:30am for a £1 single fare.
Funding continues for popular fare initiatives such as the £2 day rider tickets at weekends for under-19s – giving unlimited travel in the BCP area for an entire day – and discounted multi-trip bundles giving residents more choice in how and when they travel with low-cost, flexible options.
BCP residents with a valid concessionary bus pass can currently travel for free on Morebus services during off-peak hours (9:30am – 11am) Monday-Friday, and all day on weekends and bank holidays.
Applications for a concessionary pass can be made through BCP Council by providing proof of residence, age and a photo.
The programme approved by Council will also guarantee more than 99% of the journeys made on the buses that receive Council subsidy, protecting 1.3million bus journeys across the area and helping to secure services that matter most to our residents.
Under the plans, targeted improvements and upgrades will take place over the next three years at BCP Council and Morebus build on strong momentum that has already boosted bus services in the area: placing them third in the entire country for customer satisfaction.
Funding will be focused towards improving reliability and making services more convenient: upgrades at key junctions - including Poole College, Winton, Upper Parkstone and Boscombe – will keep buses moving on the busiest routes, reduce congestion, and cut expected journey times.
Cllr Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Travel at BCP Council, said:
“Buses are a lifeline for our residents – and concessionary passes help make everyday journeys simpler, more convenient and more accessible for eligible passengers.
“Earlier this year we announced we would protect more than 99% of journeys across the existing subsidised network – keeping communities connected one trip at a time.
“Our close, high-quality partnership with Morebus continues to be a real strength for the area. By working together we’re able to deliver services that genuinely focus on the needs of our residents.
“Despite a slight cut in funding from Government, but with a multi-year settlement, I’m really pleased that this package of investment allows us to properly plan improvements in a collaborative way.
“These upgrades will make bus travel across our three towns even better and give all of our residents more choice, convenience and confidence than ever before.”
The programme was welcomed by a range of Councillors from around the chamber and agreed by all present at the Full Council meeting.