Dorset County Council says that the reduction in funding for rural bus routes could mean more people have access to transport because they will look at different ways to help people get around.

Following news that the council's cabinet agreed to withdraw funding in a bid to save £1.5m, as reported in the Dorset Echo yesterday, the authority has released a statement saying it is 'determined' to work with rural communities.

The county council needs to save more than £16m in the coming financial year.

The statement reads: "Instead of subsiding once- or twice-weekly buses, councillors have committed to work with communities to develop local options that can offer a more flexible way to connect people with work, school or healthcare.

"And the council is also looking at using empty seats on school buses and its own social care vehicles for use by rural residents, which could mean more people having access to transport than do now."

A series of community engagement meetings will be launched and led by local councillors to develop alternatives to conventional buses through a network of community links.

The council also plans to open up school transport routes for use by sixth form and college students as well as the wider public for travel to work, shopping or leisure.

Cllr Peter Finney, Cabinet member for environment, said: “It is clear that the existing approach of subsidising commercial bus companies is not working and offers poor value to the public and bus users.

“By working closely with communities, we are taking a fresh approach to shape a range of transport options that will prevent isolation, help people’s health and wellbeing and support our economy.

“By offering more flexibility, community transport network can provide something better than we have now, for more people.”

More information about community transport options can be found at www.dorsetforyou.com/travel-dorset/bus/community-transport