A trial shuttle bus to transport passengers to a Dorset beauty spot is proving to be a success.
The RSPB in Dorset have been trialling the use of a little green bus service this summer running from Wareham railway station to its Arne nature reserve.
Service 2RN is supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and operated by Dorset Community Transport. It runs until August 31.
Passenger feedback received so far already shows what a valuable service 2RN has become - and it has been such a success it now offers a revised and extended timetable.
One customer said: “I was able to enjoy a day at RSPB Arne which I can’t normally access, and I was even able to walk to one of the nature reserve’s viewpoints despite my arthritis.”
Another happy passenger said: “Thank you so much for organising the shuttle bus. I don’t drive and I’m unable to visit the reserve without this service. It’s made such a difference.”
The new timetable includes additional runs between RSPB Arne and Purbeck Park (Norden Park and Ride). There will be four return journeys between Wareham station, and two return journeys between Purbeck Park.
No booking is needed - just step on and enjoy the journey. Single fares are £2 per adult and £1 for under 19s per journey. National Concessionary Passes are accepted.
The RSPB’s aim, by launching the ‘little green bus’, is to help people who can’t currently access the reserve due to limited personal transport, so they may experience a special part of Dorset’s heritage in an affordable way. The trial bus service is part of the RSPB Hyde’s Heath project, which began in 2019 and aims to engage people with their heritage, especially people who are currently under-represented at Arne, including children and families, young people, and people with health and wellbeing needs.
Bus users can pre-book one of RSPB Arne’s 'Trampers' (off road mobility scooters) to meet them as they step off the service. There is also an accessible step on the bus that can be lowered where kerbs aren’t available, however, the bus isn’t wheelchair accessible. There is limited room for foldable pushchairs, and well behaved, clean dogs are permitted at the driver’s discretion.
For the full Service 2RN timetable, visit: bit.ly/2RNTimetable
Book a Tramper here: bit.ly/ArneTramper
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