HOPES are high Morebus will take over three key bus routes whose future was uncertain after a Hampshire-based bus operator announced it was pulling out.

The future of the former Yellow Buses routes 18, 33 and 36 was first plunged into doubt when the Bournemouth-based company went into administration last year.

Morebus stepped in to run the services in the short term but BCP Council then awarded a six-month tender to Xelagroup, which had bought the Yellow Coaches brand name from administrators.

The council-subsidised routes serve areas including Broadstone, Canford Heath, Kinson, West Howe, Christchurch and Southbourne. They are also used by school students.

Eastleigh-based Xelagroup – which has been operating green buses bearing the slogan “Your Yellow service going Green” – announced earlier in January it would be handing the routes back to the council.

Although a new operator has not officially been announced, it is known that Morebus submitted a bid for the tender.

BCP Council has not commented, other than to say there will be no gap between Xelagroup ending its services and a new operator taking them on.

Kinson councillor Duane Farr said: “As a Kinson ward team, we are working closely with Cllr Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, to ensure there is no disruption to the 36 bus route which serves Kinson and West Howe.”

Cllr Greene said: “The 36, 33, 18 and Poole Route One services were rescued for six months by quick action by the council when Yellow Buses failed in August. That six months comes to and end on February 14.

“The Conservative administration is committed to boosting public transport as a political priority, particularly buses, and we have been successful in winning almost £8million from government towards our Bus Service Improvement Plan.

“We know that after services are withdrawn, it takes time to coax people back into the buses even if those services are restored. So we are working incredibly hard with other bus operators to try to find a way to ensure that services continue beyond that February 14 date. So far, our discussions are very positive so I am hopeful we might get some good news soon.”

Broadstone councillor Vikki Slade said: "I am delighted to hear that the 18 service looks likely to become part of the Morebus network. This will give residents the opportunity to buy a single ticket and for the bus operator to ensure that the timing of connecting buses can be maximised.

“We need people to change their travel habits to reduce congestion but to become regular bus users we need reliable, regular, low cost and comfortable public transport. This would be a step in the right direction.”