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News

Bus about the Town Centre for 50p

A new frequent bus service linking Poole town centre and the hospital with the Old Town and the Quay will be introduced on Monday 26 July. The bus, numbered Route ONE, will also serve most of the car parks in the town centre and quay area allowing motorists to drive on to the next car park if their first choice is full. Travelling between the Bus Station and the Railway Station will now be possible by bus and the hospital becomes very accessible for residents of Poole Old Town and Baiter Park.

The fare for adults will be only 50p and the ticket will be valid throughout the day. Up to two children under 15 will travel free when accompanied be a paying adult.

Special government funding has been made available for the bus service as part of an initiative to encourage greater use of local bus services in the Borough. The service will also receive sponsorship from the Dolphin Shopping Centre and Poole Town Centre Management.

Wilts & Dorset will operate the service with distinctive blue painted buses displaying the Route ONE logo. The buses will be low-floor allowing easy access for wheelchair users and passengers with buggies.

Councillor Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Local Economy including Transportation, said "Travelling around the town centre has never been easier. Route ONE will appeal to visitors to the town centre and quay, people needing to get to the hospital and motorists struggling to park. As well as providing an opportunity to link the car parks, the 50p daily fare makes the service a bargain for anyone needing to pop across town. Even better news is that "Connect" concessionary travelcard holders travel at half-price and accompanied children under 15 go free."

Helen Crawford, Town Centre Manager, said: "I am delighted that Poole is to benefit from this new town centre circular service. Access to the High Street shops, Thursday market and the quay has never been better by bus."

Steve Connolly, Dolphin Centre Manager, said: "We are pleased to support this innovative bus service allowing everyone to easily experience both the Quay and the Dolphin Shopping Centre in one trip. It will be of great benefit to visitors to the town as well as local residents."

The bus will operate on a 15 minute frequency serving Poole Bus Station, Falkland Square Shopping Centre, Railway Station, Hospital, High Street, lower High Street, Poole Quay and Baiter Park. It will initially run from 0925 to 1520 on Mondays to Fridays and 0925 to 1757 on Saturdays. Additional journeys are proposed for 2005. For full details and a timetable leaflet telephone (01202) 262242 during office hours. Alternatively pick one up from the Wilts & Dorset Enquiry Office at Poole Bus Station.

John McVey, Passenger Transport Manager, Borough of Poole, tel: (01202) 262221