Fightback over high bus prices

New tendering procedures are being introduced as Dorset County Council turns its back on the large operators in favour of smaller, independent companies.

Colonel Brierly, the council's environment portfolio holder, slammed the "spiralling prices" demanded by the big bus companies.

"The losers are Dorset passengers who remain at risk of losing bus services, not to mention that more of their council tax is needed to pay for it," he said.

And Colonel Brierly held out a carrot to the county's smaller operators, saying council contracts could be used to stimulate the local economy.

"Operators have a great opportunity to partner with the council and use lucrative bus contracts for long term investment in their businesses," he said.

David Dawkins, the council's public transport chief, pledged wholesale changes to the council's dealings with bus companies and he blasted public transport giants for their treatment of big-spending authorities.

"DCC spends £16m each year on passenger transport - it often surprises me that some bus and coach operators treat the council as a second rate customer," said Mr Dawkins.

Wilts & Dorset was singled out for criticism by county bosses.

"The council has been demonstrating that top quality is achievable without having to pay the crippling price increases being asked for by companies like Wilts & Dorset," a spokesman said.

The council has even saved money buying its own vehicles and paying operators to drive them. County Hall has a fleet of 10 Optare Solo buses painted in DCC livery.

"In all we have a fleet of about 100 vehicles, including fully accessible mini-buses which we use for schools and day centres," said Mr Dawkins.

Wilts & Dorset bosses went on record in April to pledge the carrier's commitment to services in North Dorset.

"It would be irresponsible to allow any further decline to bus usage in the region," said Alex Weeks, the company's managing director.