Dorset Council Reinstates Bus Timetable Following Public Outcry
Dorset Council has reversed proposed cuts to the X51 and X53 bus services following significant criticism from residents and local councillors. The original timetable, published earlier this month, would have reduced weekday services between Bridport and Dorchester, with the last bus departing an hour earlier than previously scheduled.
Conservative Beaminster councillor Craig Monks had urged the council and operator to “reconsider” the changes, stating, “Public transport is a lifeline for many in rural communities and withdrawing these services risks increasing isolation and limiting opportunities.”
Members of the West Dorset Bus Facebook group voiced strong opposition, with one user saying, “For years, people living in rural Dorset have been robbed of effective, reliable public transportation,” and another describing the cuts as ”unacceptable” and warning they would “leave children stranded.”
In a statement released Friday, the Lib Dem-run Dorset Council confirmed the reinstatement of the previous winter timetable “in response to concerns raised by local residents.” The council and operator have agreed to restore the core winter timetable.
The council acknowledged shortcomings in the consultation process and pledged to “plan earlier and more openly ahead of next yearS timetable,” while continuing to monitor service reliability and connections. Services stopping at Dorset County hospital will be maintained under the reinstated schedule.
To address immediate needs, an afternoon journey will begin Monday to ensure students from The Thomas Hardye School can travel home to Bridport. The council is also exploring options to improve bus connections with the 07:35 Axminster train to Exeter.
The date for the full reinstated timetable to take effect will be announced shortly.
