Residents urged to use First Bus' X51 trial bus service

As previously reported, First Bus is going to be serving the villages of Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton as a trial by diverting its X51 service from Weymouth to Bridport and Axminster.

The villages used to have a service until the bus operator decided, in 2014, that it was taking too long to divert from the main road. It has offered the trial from May 12 to September following a campaign.

The service will operate seven days a week with around a 2-hour frequency during the day. 

Dorchester Transport Action Group is now urging people to use this trial service so that it can operate through the villages permanently again. 

The Terrace, Martinstown (Image: Graham Hunt)

READ MORE: Campaign for bus in Winterbourne Steepleton and Martinstown

Les Scarth, a Martinstown resident and member of Dorchester Transport Action Group, spearheaded the campaign to reinstate the service.

He said: “It’s great that First Bus has agreed to this trial, all credit to them. So, we want to help them by promoting the service. We appreciate that it is a commercial service, and they are taking the commercial risk here.”

After the trial, First Bus will the access the route’s long-term viability by reviewing passenger numbers to see if sufficient revenue is generated to justify the costs of the diversion.

Stewart Palmer, chair of Dorchester Transport Action Group, is encouraging residents in the villages to take advantage of the new service so it can survive long term.

The Brewers Arms, Martinstown (Image: Freelance)

He said: “I am extremely pleased how much positive response there has been to the request we made. We’ve had a huge amount of support from Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton.

“The trial will last for the summer but can only become permanent if people use the service. The onus is really on the people who live in the area to use the service now its diverted back to its original route.

“This is a great opportunity for local residents, but everyone needs to realise that it is a ‘use it or lose it’ moment.  The service frequency will help people go into Dorchester or Bridport for shopping trips as well as providing an excellent means of having a cheap day out to Weymouth, Lyme Regis or Axminster.

“With the costs of town centre parking and fuel and with the maximum single fare being capped at £2, the service will be a great benefit for everyone.”