Published on Tuesday 21 March 2023
With summer fast approaching, a new circular bus route around Boscombe is set to start on Saturday 1 April for locals and tourists looking for a convenient and affordable way to get around.
The Route 99 hopper bus will run up to every 30 minutes between 9.30am and 6.30pm, seven days a week. The service will provide a brand new link between Boscombe Bus Station, Pokesdown Rail Station and Boscombe Pier. It will be fitted with distinctive branding on the outside of the bus at the start of April.
The bus will be operated by Morebus, with a range of bargain fares available. Adults are just £1.50 for a single journey, or £2 for an all-day hop on/hop off ticket. Children from 7-17 years can ride for 80p one way, £1 all day, and all buses have room for a wheelchair and pushchairs/buggies. Accompanied children under 7 are free.
A full range of Morebus day tickets will also be available and the 99 service conveniently links to frequent services at Boscombe Bus Station.
Mog Morrison, Chair of Boscombe Community Forum, said: "This bus route has been highly requested by the local community for a long time. I’m particularly pleased that it will give access to our pier and lovely beach to those of us with mobility issues, who have previously found it very difficult. It’s a steep walk uphill from the pier, so I’m really excited that we’ve been able to get something in place. Plus, it will allow families with young children to access the beach without the worry of parking."
Route 99 is a trial and will operate daily until Sunday 29 October. The project has been delivered by the Bournemouth Towns Fund, which is funded by the Government Department of Levelling Up alongside BCP Council.
Councillor Jane Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Health and Leisure, said: "This is a fantastic example of the council listening to residents' needs and taking action. Route 99 gives locals and visitors a really convenient way to access key areas of Boscombe while also supporting the council’s wider sustainable travel goals."
View the timetable here.