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”