First Wessex bus services still deemed 'inadequate' in Weymouth

In November 2021 the Echo reported that bus users in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester had said ‘enough is enough’ after services were arriving late or being cancelled altogether, mainly due to driver shortages.

Concerns were also raised about elderly and disabled public transport users travelling in the area as they were having to wait longer than expected in cold weather conditions due to late services run by First Wessex.

Bus timetable. Picture: Sam McKeown

Dorchester resident Victor Robinson claimed the situation was still the same.

Mr Robinson said: “The buses in Weymouth and Dorchester are never on time. I’m elderly and waiting around in the cold is not good for my health.

“With First buses, the times on the digital bus stop boards just go up and up. Sometimes the buses turn up and other times the minutes just go up and then it just disappears and is cancelled.”

Concerns are also still being expressed by local campaigners.

President of Weymouth and Portland Access Group, Michael Kelly said: “There is an ongoing problem with inadequate bus services in the Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Bridport areas.

“Rail and bus fares are high yet the services continue to fall short of what is needed. First Group has reduced frequency on some routes, withdrawn some Sunday and Bank Holiday services, reduced early and evening buses, and cancelled some services because of lack of drivers.

“Poor public transport has a greater impact upon young people, elderly people and people with disabilities. Weymouth and Portland Access Group has campaigned on this issue for years but regrettably the situation continues to decline.”

There has been a nationwide shortage of bus drivers and First Wessex had previously blamed that and traffic congestion for the problems. It says Covid is also playing a part.

A spokesperson for First Wessex said: “There is still a shortage of drivers across the country and we are also experiencing a higher than normal level of staff sickness due to Covid 19.

“We are doing everything we can to minimise disruption to services and inconvenience to our customers and our teams are working extra hard to ensure as many buses run as is possible. The good news is that our staffing situation is improving.”