AS FUEL prices continue to rise and driving costs soar, more Bournemouth residents are switching to bus travel, according to new figures.

During the past year the number of bus passenger journeys in the borough has increased by 18 per cent, one of the highest rises in the country.

Bournemouth council, which has just withdrawn its subsidy from some routes formerly run by Yellow Buses, insists that rising passenger numbers reflect routes being linked to demand.

But critics, including Cllr Ron Whittaker, are furious that less profitable routes in outlying areas like Throop and Muscliff are being curtailed.

He said: "There was absolutely no consultation about council funding being withdrawn for the Yellow Buses 4b service.

"From May 25 it will not be running via Chesildene Drive and Shillingstone Drive during weekday evenings and Sundays.

"While our local bus services are being cut, new services are being funded in other parts of the borough.

"What's good for the goose is good for the gander."

Although Yellow Buses was sold off by Bournemouth council, the authority still subsidises some routes.

But Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "We've made significant improvements to ensure buses are available where demand is high.

"Unfortunately there will be some areas of Bournemouth where buses are being withdrawn but we have made every effort to provide alternative arrangements, where possible, to minimise any inconvenience.

"We received a number of requests for additional routes and although we cannot accommodate them all, by providing some additional routes, on a trial basis over the next six months, we can assess whether they should continue."

Bus changes include a new evening and Sunday service between Bournemouth Hospital and Kinson, a new service for the Littledown area and new all-night services at weekends between Bournemouth and Westbourne, Parkstone, Poole, Charminster, Boscombe and Iford.