BU recently extended its successful transport initiative with bus operator morebus for another ten years, following an intensive tender exercise. Students, workers and leisure customers will have the opportunity to travel across specially designed university bus routes until at least the summer of 2026.
The agreement, which also involves Arts University Bournemouth, is worth between £13-17 million and took effect from 1 August, with the new buses in use from the start of the new academic year on 19 September.
Passengers enjoy a host of benefits and enhancements to the current service – including increased frequency and capacity, improved access to the university seven days a week and a range of measures designed to encourage students and staff to travel more sustainably in support of the university’s travel plan.
Striking new branding has been introduced for the new fleet of 12 UK-built double-decker Enviro 400 MMC low carbon emission buses – the most environmentally friendly buses the university has commissioned to date.
The buses are fitted with some of the most advanced technology to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. Auto start/stop technology automatically switches off the engine when the vehicles stop. This eliminates engine idling, improving local air quality and reducing noise pollution, particularly at busy bus stops.
Passengers can take advantage of new free Wi-Fi and USB charging points for smart devices.
Jim Andrews, Chief Operating Officer at BU, said: “We’re really excited to launch this service that gives us additional capacity with new buses and we will have new routes with the new 17 service connecting Bournemouth and Poole, via the railway stations, for staff, students and the community.
“The enhanced service has 12 new buses, with low emissions and new facilities on board, including free Wi-Fi and USB charging.”
“This is an incredibly exciting venture for us,” said morebus managing director, Andrew Wickham. “To have been awarded this tender is a huge privilege and our team is very much looking forward to working in partnership with our counterparts at Bournemouth University to make the new UNIBUS service a real success.”
For more information about the improved services – and details of timetable changes – please visit www.unibuses.co.uk.
