Improved punctuality and new bus services for Dorset

First Wessex has announced network changes for its services in Dorset. The changes, which are part of a twice-yearly network review, come into force on Sunday 12 May.

The timetable changes have been designed to improve punctuality on the network, helping passengers' journeys and keeping Dorset moving. The changes have been created in consultation with Dorset Council, using feedback from local passenger user groups, as well as First Wessex drivers.

For the first time in Dorset, the timetable changes also use the latest network planning software which predicts traffic conditions and peak running times for bus services. The system is already widely in use across much of First Bus’s UK network.

Responding to requests from the community, the changes also include a trial route on the X51 diverting via Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton. The trial will run until September, and passenger numbers will be reviewed throughout to assess the route’s long-term viability.

Further changes include:

• Following feedback, evening services have been added to the Service 8 Weymouth to Chickerell to meet demand during the summer season.
• The 2 Weymouth to Littlemoor will see service returns to an increased 15-minute frequency on Monday to Friday (increased from the winter period).
• On the Jurassic Coaster, the popular X50 service will return operate from 12 May until 1 September 2024. It will run every two hours and will now run to Swanage on all days. The service has also been amended to serve Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World.

Full timetable details will be available on the First Wessex website in the coming weeks, and passenger are advised to check details before travelling ahead of the new services coming into effect.

James Eustace, Commercial Director for First Wessex, said: “We’re continuing to invest in improving bus services in Dorset and these latest network changes build on our commitment to enhance customer experience, by improving the punctuality and efficiency of our services.

“Timetable changes have been carefully designed using the latest network planning software, passenger feedback and input from our drivers to bring improvements and focus on areas of demand to best serve local people.”

Full list of changes:

1 Weymouth-Portland  A revised timetable will be introduced – the service reflects the same duration and level as summer 2023.

2 Weymouth-Littlemoor A revised timetable will be introduced. Service returns to a 15-minute frequency on Monday to Friday (increased from the winter period).

3 Weymouth-Westham-Southill A revised timetable will be introduced, with a 50-minute frequency introduced to aid punctuality.

4 Weymouth-Preston A revised timetable will be introduced. Improved frequency Monday-Friday, with a 20-minute service throughout the day to serve the needs of Weymouth Bay Haven holiday centre.

CR6 Bridport-Beaminster-Crewkerne-Yeovil A revised timetable will be introduced.

8 Weymouth-Chickerell A revised timetable introduced with additional evening trips added for the summer period, based on seasonal demand.

10 Weymouth-Dorchester-Poundbury A revised timetable will be introduced. Service level remains the same.

Holiday camps

12 Weymouth-Littlesea Holiday Centre A revised timetable will be introduced. Low summer season service will operate every 60 minutes. Peak summer service will run every 30 minutes.

13 Weymouth-Waterside Holiday Centre A revised timetable will be introduced. Low summer season service will operate every 60 minutes. Peak summer service will run every 30 minutes.

Portland Coaster Weymouth-Portland (Open Top) A revised timetable introduced along with introduction of Low/High season. Service to operate every 120 minutes Mon-Sun

Jurassic coaster

X50 Weymouth-Lulworth-Wool-Swanage A revised timetable will be introduced. The service will operate every two hours (instead of every hour) and will operate through to Swanage on all days. The X50 combines with the X54 to provide an hourly service between Weymouth, Lulworth, and Wool (echoing their hourly service last year). The service is also amended to serve Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World. Service to operate until 1 September 2024.

X51 Weymouth-Dorchester-Bridport-Lyme-Axminster A revised timetable will be introduced. The service will continue to run every two hours

X52 Weymouth-Bridport (open top) A revised timetable will be introduced, and introduction of summer service. Service is to operate every two hours (interworking with the X53). Due to low demand, the service will operate Monday to Saturday only. Service to operate until 1 September 2024.

X53 Weymouth-West Bay-Bridport-Lyme-Axminster A revised timetable will be introduced. The service will continue to run every two hours.

X54 Weymouth-Lulworth-Wool-Wareham A revised timetable will be introduced, and the summer service introduced. The service will now only operate as far as Wareham and will no longer serve Poole due to low passenger demand on this section of the route. This service works together with the X50 to provide an hourly service between Weymouth, Lulworth and Wareham.