WATAG

Category: Bus

  • No Bus Pass changes – bogus videos and social media posts

    There are several social media and YouTube videos circulating claiming that wide-ranging changes have been or are about to be made to the English National Concessionary bus pass. Some of these posts are quite convincing and sophisticated, making use of AI technology and even appearing to be presented by well-known media figures. The motivation of those behind these videos can only be guessed at, however they are clearly immune to the fact that they will be causing distress or confusion to some who rely on their bus passes for mobility.

    Please be assured that these messages are false – there are NO plans to change the validity of passes; whether to routes, times of use or geographical availability. You may continue to use your pass as normal.

    You can continue to get a bus pass for free travel across England when you reach the State Pension age or qualify for a disabled person’s pass.

  • Christmas and New Year’s bus services 2024/25

    22nd & 23rd December – normal weekday service

    24th December – X51/53 Saturday timetable / CR6 – normal weekday timetable

    25th & 26th December – No service

    27th & 28th December – normal Saturday / Sunday timetable

    29th – 31st December – X51/53 Saturday timetable / CR6 – normal weekday timetable

    New Year’s Day – No service

    2nd January – normal weekday service

  • X51/X53 winter bus timetable to be restored after community concerns

    Dorset Council Statement 19/09/25

    Following the publication of the winter timetable for the X51 and X53 services by First Bus, and in response to concerns raised by local residents, Dorset Council has worked closely with the operator to reinstate the previous winter timetable.
    This ensures continued connectivity between Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Lyme Regis and Axminster throughout the winter months.
    Both organisations have reviewed service levels and agreed arrangements that restore the core winter timetable residents rely on: –

    • Weekday afternoon gap removed between Dorchester and Bridport, restoring a continuous service for workers, families and students.
    • Saturday links reinstated, ensuring meaningful weekend travel between towns.
    • Hospital access maintained, with services stopping for Dorset County Hospital appointments and visiting
    • From Monday 22 September, an afternoon journey will run to ensure students from The Thomas Hardye School can get home to Bridport and surrounding communities while the operator finalises vehicles and driver scheduling for the full timetable’
    • Both Dorset Council and First recognise the importance of the connection with the 07:35 Axminster train to Exeter. Teams are actively working on options to improve this link and will provide a further update shortly. These operational arrangements follow the usual practice in which operators set timetables for commercial services. The Council can influence services where public funding is involved, working with operators within available resources and rules, including driver hours and rest periods. Today’s announcement reflects that shared responsibility and a commitment to keep communities moving through the winter.
    • We appreciate the feedback from residents, schools, Transport Action Groups, businesses and health partners about recent changes. We acknowledge concerns about consultation and will plan earlier and more openly ahead of next year’s timetable, continuing to monitor reliability and connections across the corridor.

  • WATAG Press Release – Reduced Bus Services in West Dorset


    Reduced Bus Services throw Dorset Council’s long term transport plans into turmoil


    Key Bus services in West Dorset are set to be reduced with the introduction of the winter timetables, due to start on 21 September.
    The important Dorchester – Bridport – Axminster axis will suffer some of the most drastic cuts. Just 5 services each way will operate on weekdays between Dorchester and Bridport with the last service departing an hour earlier than now. Only 3 (westbound) and 4 (eastbound) will now run on Saturdays, with none on Sundays.


    Services operating from Bridport and Lyme Regis to Axminster have also been reduced, with the new timings providing poorer connections with the rail services towards Exeter. Students will be particularly badly hit – the only option for those needing arrive in Exeter by 9am will be to leave Bridport at 05.55. Getting home in the afternoon will be equally difficult – the connection arrives back in Bridport at 19.42 – resulting in close to a 14 hour day.
    None of the local Transport Action Groups (TAGs) were formally consulted on these changes. One TAG leader said “These service reductions go against everything that Dorset Council are promoting in their Local Transport Plan (LTP4) which is currently out for consultation”.


    LTP4 is intended to promote “Public transport that is inclusive and accessible” with the objective for West Dorset being to “enhance the frequency and reliability of strategic inter-urban routes, providing better access to employment, education and healthcare.” The plan also calls for better connectivity between bus and rail.
    Another TAG leader commented “This political decision to reduce bus services on these core routes will only force more people to take to their cars”