DORSET County Council has taken a do-it-yourself approach towards the county's rural bus services.

The council has decided to provide its own vehicles for certain routes rather than pay the spiralling costs of enlisting bus and coach companies.

The council has also been entering into partnerships with smaller bus companies to ensure a high quality service.

After the success of the changes the council is now looking to rely increasingly on its own services and expanded partnerships in the future.

Spokesman for the environment Councillor Geoffrey Brierly said: "Without intervention by the council the losers of course would be Dorset passengers who remain at risk of losing bus services whilst spiralling prices carry on... not to mention that more of their council tax money is needed to pay for it.

"The council is committed to enabling the local economy to flourish - currently the passenger transport operators have a great opportunity to partner with the council and use the lucrative bus contracts for the long-term in their businesses."

David Dawkins, who heads the council's passenger transport department believes the new direction the council is taking will be reflected in the quality of service.

He said: "Rather than let some of the bigger bus and coach companies damage the fragile bus network which rural Dorset people depend upon, Dorset County Council is increasingly taking the lead on large tracts of the rural network.

He added: "The council spends £16 million each year on passenger transport - therefore it often surprises me that some bus and coach operators treat the council as a second-rate customer.

"Our new bus contracts will be a great opportunity for smaller local companies wishing to take the long-term view to providing quality bus and taxi services."

The council is also working on related initiative to combine all passenger transport services under a single team, embracing school transport, specialist transport for people needing care and non commercial bus services.