Morebus objects to Sandbanks Ferry proposed price rise

The Poole-based operator regularly uses the crossing between Sandbanks and Studland to run its Breezer routes in and out of Purbeck. 

Richard Wade, Morebus’ general manager, told the Purbeck Transport Action Group the business’ stance on the proposals which could see buses and coaches pay 18 per cent more from £10.60 to £12.52. 

Mr Wade told the meeting: “We have raised an objection to the ferry company’s request to the Secretary of State to increase its charges.  

“As a commercial business ourselves experiencing labour shortage and an alarming increase in the price of mechanical parts, we recognise the need to increase prices.  

Purbeck Breezer leaving the ferry (Image: Chris Hobbs, camera club member)

“However we think there should be a benefit in return. Naturally, we have requested bus priority. We have reiterated our offer to pay for the installation of those measures that will deliver this.” 

He added that Morebus notes the public inquiry due to take place from December 10 and is “preparing further evidence of delays” in advance of the deadline of November 1. 

Morebus joins a host of places to object to the proposals, including the National Trust, parish councils including Studland, Wool and Corfe Castle, Swanage Town Council and BCP and Dorset councils as well as South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton. 

A public meeting that was held at Studland village hall on September 4 saw more than 200 residents from the Purbeck area voice their concerns about the proposals. 

(Image: Daily Echo)

New prices proposed by the ferry company could see pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, who have paid £1 since 2009 to cross, paying £1.75.   

Cars or light vans less than 3.5 tonnes, previously paying £5.30, may have to fork out an extra 96p to pay £6.26, or an 18 per cent increase.   

Passenger vehicles such as coaches and HGVs more than 3.5 tonnes could also see an 18 per cent increase from £10.60 to £12.52. 

The Sandbanks Ferry managing director previously said the revenue generated from higher prices would add little to overall revenue. 

Morebus uses the ferry for several of its Breezer routes, including the 31 (Wool to Durdle Door), 40 (Swanage to Poole) and 50 (Bournemouth to Swanage).