BOROUGH OF POOLE

TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY GROUP – THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2007

REPORT OF HEAD OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

RESPONSE TO A PETITION REGARDING BUS SERVICES ALONg STANLEY GREEN ROAD AND VICARAGE ROAD

1.Purpose and Policy Context

1.1To consider a petition to reinstate the former 131 bus service between Poole and Corfe Mullen via Stanley Green Road and Vicarage Road.

1.2Local bus services contribute to the Corporate Objective of Promoting Health and Well-being of its residents and the Priorities of Reducing Poole’s Carbon Footprint and Meeting the Needs of our Ageing. Population.

2. recommendations

2.1It is recommended that the request for an improved service along Stanley Green Road and Vicarage Road be noted and added to the list of requests to be considered by the “Route & Branch” Working Group.

3. Information

3.1A petition of over 300 signatures has been submitted by Ms Boyd of White Horse Drive, Oakdale. The petition calls for the return of the 131 Service which previously operated every half hour in the daytime from Poole via Sterte, Stanley Green Road, Vicarage Road, Fleetsbridge, Waterloo, Broadstone and Corfe Mullen prior to the major bus service revisions introduced by Wilts & Dorset Bus Company in June 2006.

3.2The 131 was replaced in June 2006 by a new Service 4 which operates on a 15 minute frequency between Poole, Fleetsbridge, Waterloo and Broadstone. Alternate buses are extended every half an hour to Corfe Mullen. Low floor, fully accessible vehicles are also normally used and these have replaced the ageing step entrance buses that used to operate the 131.

3.3In order to improve financial viability Wilts & Dorset have developed a policy of simplifying routes and running fast, frequent and attractive bus services along main corridors. This strategy has been successful in encouraging passenger growth and, overall, an increase in patronage has resulted.

3.4As part of this strategy Service 4 was routed direct from Poole along Wimborne Road to Fleetsbridge. As such the bus no longer serves Sterte, Stanley Green Road or Vicarage Road.

3.5Transportation Services recognised the need to retain at least a minimum level of bus service through both the Sterte and Stanley Green areas. The Council’s subsidised 128 Service from Poole to Upton Country Park was therefore diverted at short notice via these roads. This has ensured that the majority of passengers still had access to a bus when the 131 was withdrawn.

3.6Service 128 currently operates three times each way per day. Although only running in the off peak, the journeys have been arranged to ensure that passengers are able to have either a half or almost a full day in Poole. In addition the service has also been rerouted via Fleetsbridge Tesco to improve shopping opportunities.

3.7The 128 continues to serve Rectory Road/Christopher Crescent and this has meant it has not been possible to also serve Vicarage Road. Three bus stops currently therefore remain without a bus service:-

  • Vicarage Road (Oakdale Traffic Lights)
  • Vicarage Road (White Horse Drive)
  • Vicarage Road (Opp White Horse Drive)
  • Consultation with the bus company at the time showed that passenger boardings at these locations was very low. Most customers would prefer to walk to the stop across Wimborne Road where a far greater choice of buses to Poole was available.
  • For passengers unable to walk to Wimborne Road the nearest stop for buses to Poole is now in Rectory Road for the 128 service. This is approximately 120m from the former White Horse Drive stop.
  • For residents with mobility problems unable to walk to access the 128 service there are a number of Community Transport options available. This includes Dial a Bus which operates a fully accessible door to door service to both Poole Dolphin Shopping Centre and Sainsbury’s. A voluntary car service for essential journeys (for example to doctor’s and dentist’s appointments) is also available.

4. Route and Branch Working Party

4.1The Council has set up a “Route and Branch” working group of Members and Officers to monitor the performance of Poole’s contracted bus services. As part of this work requests for additional services/improved frequencies will be considered and resources targeted appropriately. It is therefore proposed that this request be added to the list of outstanding requests for consideration by the “Route and Branch” group.

JULIAN McLAUGHLIN

Head of Transportation Services

Background Information

None

Name and Telephone Number of Officer Contact

John McVey (01202) 262221

5 September 2007

TAG200907T3E

1

1