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Yellow Buses Announces Biggest Shake-Up in 103 Years
Yellow Buses has announced
the biggest shake-up of services in its 103-year history. The changes have
been officially submitted to the Traffic Commissioners,
responsible for the registration of local bus services, and will take
effect from July 2.
They follow what’s believed to be one of the most comprehensive consultation
and study exercises ever undertaken by a UK bus company.
The changes include:
Improved direct services to Poole from the Christchurch, Southbourne and Fisherman’s Walk area including buses every five minutes (Bournemouth to Boscombe
- New route numbers – such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 – on the core routes
- Introduction of single-decker, easy-access low-floor buses on the main services
- Simplified fare structure replacing the current 48 different fare variations
- Better passenger information at bus stops including service times from individual stops
- Introduction of the company’s bright new yellow vehicle livery and logo with a new slogan ‘The brighter bus company.’
Other changes include the launch of a new network map with easy-to-understand coloured routes; individual route booklets and a redesigned website.
The announcement comes just five months after Yellow Buses was acquired by Transdev, the UK’s sixth biggest bus operator.
Yellow Buses claim the changes will improve reliability and punctuality as well as ‘demystify’ the bus for people who are currently put off using what they regard as an unnecessarily complicated and confusing service.
Focus groups, comprising both passengers and non-passengers, were used during the consultative process while staff input proved particularly valuable.
Derek Lott, Managing Director, said a huge marketing exercise would be undertaken before the changes came in to ensure everyone was aware of the plans. He added: “We’re very excited by the changes which, I believe, build on the excellent service provided by the Yellows over many years.“ The new network will provide a modern, safe and reliable method of transport which the people of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can be proud of.”