A NEW information kiosk on Weymouth seafront is being planned to help bus users this summer.

The 6 square metre building would be open 9am until 5pm throughout the week and weekends for First Bus - sited between two existing bus shelters on the beach side of the Esplanade.

An agent’s letter with the planning application says that improving services for bus passengers and potential users is key to increasing bus use, along with upgrading existing services and networks.

“As Weymouth emerges from another winter severely affected by the Covid 19 pandemic, the summer of 2022 will be crucial to the recovery of the local economy.

“As Weymouth’s major bus operator First have always sought constructive partnerships with local authorities and we are proud of the productive and collaborative relationship we have with Dorset Council, Weymouth Town council and the other local authorities across our network.

"We are acutely aware of and proud of the crucial role bus services play, both to local people and to our visitors, and we are excited by the opportunity to further build on these achievements and help our beautiful piece of the world emerge with strength from the pandemic,” said a statement.

A similar proposal by First was proposed by First last year but the company later withdrew the application.

The company say the kiosk staff will be able to provide real-time updates on services, information on bus times, ticket options, places to visit and more -  contributing to the of Dorset’s Bus Service Improvement Plan which includes targets to increase bus usage by 5% by 2025 and 15% by 2030 compared to 2019/20 levels.

“Making the buses as easy to use as possible will be crucial to meeting and exceeding these targets and the kiosk will play an important part here. Especially when considering the influx of visitors to Weymouth each summer, who will not necessarily be familiar with the local bus network,” said the application to Dorset Council.

The kiosk is planned for February to October use only and will be removed during the winter months.