MOREBUS is launching a new campaign to encourage people in Dorset to switch from car to bus in a bid to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

The bus operator says it is seeing a “slow but steady increase” in the number of passengers travelling on its buses, in light of pandemic restrictions ending and the recent fuel crisis.

Now it wants to continue the momentum, with a mission to help reduce harmful carbon emissions in-and-around Bournemouth and Poole.

Morebus head of communications Nikki Honer said: “It stands to reason that a bus operator would want local people to choose its services instead of journeying by car - but that’s just one incentive for us to put everything into our ‘Think Bus’ campaign.

“Throughout the pandemic, we continued to transport key workers across Dorset, to ensure they could carry out their vital roles at hospitals, GP surgeries, supermarkets and so on.

“Sadly, though, government guidelines scared some away from using buses - and they returned to their cars. Now it’s time to reconsider.”

This comes ahead of the COP26 meeting, which will commence in Glasgow on Sunday October 30.

Dozens of world leaders are expected to discuss and debate the current climate crisis as part of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, which will last until Friday November 12.

However, Morebus agrees that big changes can start with local initiatives, adding that taking the bus should become people’s “first choice” of transport.

Much like the societal shift in using less single use plastics and instead choosing more environmentally friendly alternatives, Morebus hope that a similar approach towards public transport could help to reduce CO2 emissions both locally and nationally.

Nikki added: “Taking the bus should be first choice - just like taking a re-usable bag to the supermarket is. As a community, we have mastered the art of this because buying single-use plastic is frowned upon.

“The same should apply to local journeys.

“Taking your car out for a short trip when you live on a regular bus route - like the m1 and m2 services which run up to every three minutes - really should be socially unacceptable.

When planning a route using the bus service's mobile app, commuters can now see how much CO2 they will save on their journey.

For example, taking the bus from Upper Parkstone Co-op (Ashley Road) to Bournemouth Square will save 886g of CO2 - which is the equivalent of charging your mobile 3752 times.

“Wherever you wish to travel, we ask you to ‘Think Bus’ to reduce your carbon footprint - whether you’re commuting, socialising, studying, or going out for the day, said Nikki.

“Our journey planners, via our website app, even show you how much CO2 you can save - when compared to driving.

“Sustainable transport can provide the perfect and affordable solution to reducing air pollution here - whatever your reason to travel.”