Morebus misses out on council tender for Yellow Buses routes

Morebus confirmed that BCP Council had decided to award a six-month contract for the 18, 33 and 36 routes to another operator.

As reported, Morebus acted swiftly to step in to continue to provide services after Yellow Buses went into administration and ceased its operation on Thursday evening.

The firm said it hoped to run these routes again in the future.

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In a statement on social media, a Morebus spokesperson said: “For customers who have been travelling with us this week on routes 18, 33 & 36, we’d like to say thank you.

“However, we are sorry to announce that BCP Council has decided to award the emergency tender for these routes to another operator for the next six months. This is despite us stepping in at short notice to get these routes up and running again following the collapse of the previous operator.

“We very much hope to run your buses again soon so it's not so much goodbye from Morebus but au revoir.”

The 18 runs between Broadstone and Bournemouth via Branksome and Canford Heath.

The 33 travels between Alum Chine and Christchurch, serving Bournemouth town centre, Boscombe, Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Southbourne.

The 36 operates between Branksome and Kinson, via Bournemouth town centre, Talbot Heath and Wallisdown.