Service 6 bus Bridport – Beaminster – Yeovil

Before the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) situation fully developed, Dorset Council had come up with a solution to retain the Service 6 bus between Bridport and Beaminster, in collaboration with local bus operator.

First Wessex announced in February that it would no longer operate their service between Bridport and Beaminster as it was not commercially viable.

Dorset Council has recently received new funding for supported bus services from the Department for Transport and intends to use this to support the service.

The revised timetable will include journeys running between Bridport and Yeovil, without having to change at Crewkerne and the 4.36pm journey from Yeovil will run through to Bridport. Bridport Hospital will remain on the route. Further improvements for the Bridport – Yeovil corridor will be considered in the longer term.

It is important that residents use the service so that it is sustainable into the future.

As self-isolation measures are relaxed and people start going about their day as normal, we will monitor passenger numbers adjusting the route and timetable as necessary to provide the most effective service that meets the needs of the residents within our financial restraints.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:

“I’m extremely pleased that the Dorset Travel team has been able to find a solution to the Number 6 bus situation and extend my thanks to the bus operators for working with us to not only restore the service, but actually improve transport links in the area.

“Our team has worked hard behind the scenes to listen to current users and resolve the issue. Now with central government funding, we’re able to commit to these plans.

“Dorset Council has declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency and we want to encourage people to use public transport instead of the private car. We appreciate that the coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance around self-isolation will obviously affect current passenger numbers, so as the situation improves and restrictions are lifted, our message will be simple; please use it or risk losing it.”

Alex Carter, Managing Director, First South West said:

“We have been delighted to collaborate with colleagues at Dorset Council to formulate this revised service. It takes into account feedback from passengers, user groups and other important stakeholders. Whilst the combination of the revenue collected from customers and the Council’s enhanced financial support cannot fund all needs, together we have done our best to deliver an effective level of service to meet the majority of known and anticipated user requirements, acting within those constraints”

The revised service will run from 7 September 2020.

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