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BOROUGH OF POOLE

BEARWOOD & MERLEY AND BROADSTONE AREA COMMITTEE

7 FEBRUARY 2007

REPORT OF HEAD OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

WILTS & DORSET BUS STOPS – DUNYEATS ROAD

For Information

1.The Wilts & Dorset Service 3 (Wimborne Flyer) operates between Wimborne and Poole via Dunyeats Road and Broadstone Way. The principal stops in Broadstone for the service are at Broadstone First School. There have been a number of problems with this arrangement:

  • The walk from the Broadway, particularly the Somerfields end, is significant (especially when carrying shopping bags).
  • The close proximity of the bus stops can result in congestion if a bus is 'laying-over' to prevent early running.
  • The Poole-bound stop is very busy and ought to have a shelter but this would be difficult to achieve in the current location.
  1. It has been suggested that it would be more appropriate for the stops to be relocated to the west of their current position. The Poole-bound stop would be outside Broadstone Post Office and the Wimborne-bound stop to be staggered to the east of this. Bus stop poles with attached flags have been erected at these points. Wilts & Dorset have been using the new stops on a trial basis since 22 January 2007 in addition to the current stops to assess the practicality of the proposed arrangements. The bus company will be making a decision shortly on whether the new stops are an improvement for passengers and their bus drivers.
  2. Service 3 was introduced on 4 June 2006 and operates every 15 minutes during the daytime. This is a considerable improvement over the previous 132 service (hourly) and as a consequence is generating significantly more passengers. As Service 3 does not serve the Broadway and cannot stop on Broadstone Way, it has been necessary to consider the most appropriate bus stop arrangements for Dunyeats Road.
  1. Bus Companies have the power to site their stops wherever they choose to do so although this is usually done in consultation with the Transportation Services . Transportation Officers consider the needs of passengers and the road safety implications as part of this process.
STEVE TITE

Acting Head of Transportation Services

Officer Contact: Steve Dean(01202) 262071

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