X51/X53 winter bus timetable restored after community feedback

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.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

“Residents have been clear about how important the X51 and X53 are for education, work, healthcare and daily life. Working with First, we have secured the reinstatement of the winter timetable, with interim support for pupils from Monday. Our immediate focus is restoring the full service as quickly as possible and improving the early‑morning rail connection at Axminster. We will also engage earlier and more transparently with communities and partners so these essential east–west links remain reliable.”

First will confirm the start date for the full reinstated timetable shortly. Dorset Council will share updates on our news pages and social channels as details are finalised. We will continue engagement with local Transport Action Groups and stakeholders to shape future timetables.