Local Transport Action Groups in West Dorset have published the results of their survey to understand the need for more bus services between Bridport and Dorchester.
Almost 700 people responded to the survey – coordinated by WATAG (West Dorset Transport Action Group) and DTAG (Dorchester Transport Action Group). Over 97% of respondents wanted more frequent services – ideally hourly throughout the day. There was also significant support for later evening buses.
Whilst there is an hourly bus service from Axminster and Lyme Regis to Bridport, there is only one service every two hours directly to Dorchester. It only runs every 2 hours Monday to Saturdays, with no evening services. There are no services at all on Sundays throughout the winter time table which lasts for eight months.
The report from the survey makes 4 recommendations:
- Re-introduce an hourly X51 service between Bridport and Dorchester throughout the day.
- Extend evening services, with the last departures no earlier than 21:00 and consideration of services until 22:00 or later.
- Improve rail connections at Dorchester South station, particularly for evening arrivals.
- Investigate the feasibility of Sunday services, while recognising that this survey did not directly assess Sunday demand.
WATAG Chair, Nick Hurrell says:
“There is huge public support for more bus services between Bridport and Dorchester – with its County Hospital and two railway stations. We are delighted that Dorset Council has recently announcing an increase of £65m on public transport spending and we would expect to see improvements that benefit Bridport and the wider communities throughout West Dorset. Our survey demonstrates very strongly that the demand is there.”
William Gibbons, the DTAG bus lead says:
“This very important survey initiated by our colleagues in Bridport demonstrates the overwhelming need for an hourly service, later in the evening departures and a regular year-round Sunday service between Bridport and the county town of Dorchester.”
