The now dropped changed would have hit students the hardest according to campaigners Picture: David Baker Photography

Victory for campaigners as X51 and X53 bus timetable cuts reversed

Tait ap EllisSeptember 22, 20250 Comment0

PLANS to reduce bus services in west Dorset have now been shelved following backlash from users.

FirstBus faced opposition to plans to introduce the winter timetable for the X51 and X53 services which would have seen a reduction in services.

These services link Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Lyme Regis and Axminster.

Campaigners said changes would hit students the hardest, with many criticising the lack of consultation before the rollout.

But now, Dorset Council has announced a U-turn on the plans, saying the timetable has been “reviewed” following discussions with First.

This means removing a gap in services between Dorchester and Bridport during weekdays to restore a continuous service as well as reinstating weekend links between towns.

The council said from today (September 22) 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.

It added that they are actively working with FirstBus to improve the link with the vital 7.35am Axminster train to Exeter and will provide an update on this soon.

Councillor 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.”

Among those expressing their concern over the cuts was the Weymouth, Dorchester and Western Area Transport Action Groups who said the service reductions “go against everything that Dorset Council are promoting in their Local Transport Plan”.

During the summer, the X51 and X53 operate as commercial services run by First, without any financial support from Dorset Council.

Each winter, First introduces a reduced timetable which is a subsidised service.

Dorset Council said First approached the council very late in the process, requesting a “significantly higher subsidy” than last winter to continue operating the service.

The council said it could not agree to the request due to the “sharp increase” in cost and limited public funding.

First will confirm the start date for the full reinstated timetable shortly.