X53, Abbotsbury Hill Closure 30/09/2024 – 11/11/2024

Heads up! Our new winter timetables are launching on Sunday, 20th October 2024 as part of our regular network review.

Created using feedback from bus users, as well as First Wessex drivers, the changes include the retiming of the morning service for Weymouth College students, with the first journey from Beaminster timed to help students connect at Bridport.

In partnership with Dorset Council, the trial diversion of the X51 to serve Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton will also continue during the winter season. Passenger numbers will continue to be reviewed to assess the route’s long-term viability.

The X53 route which is currently running on diversion while works take place at Goose Hill in Portesham, will continue with the temporary route and shuttle service T53 until 8 November.

Alongside this are the usual reduction of some services for the winter season, in particular on the Jurassic Coaster services (X51, X53, X54).

Full list of changes:

• Route 1 – Journey times revised to account for winter season traffic levels. No changes to frequency.
• Route 2 – Frequency reduced to every 20 mins Monday to Saturday. A half hourly service continues on Sundays with revised journey times.
• Route 4 – Frequency reduced to every 40 mins daily
• Route 8 – Sunday service reduced to operate 10am to 5pm only and journey times revised throughout to account for winter season traffic levels.
• Route 10 – Frequency restored to every 15 minutes Monday to Friday, every 20 mins Saturday and every 30 mins Sunday with journey times revised throughout to account for winter season traffic levels.
• Route X51 – Sunday service withdrawn for winter season and journey times revised throughout to account for winter season traffic levels. In partnership with Dorset County Council, route X51 will continue to serve Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton during the winter season.
• Route X53 – Journey times revised to account for winter season traffic levels.
• Route X54 – Frequency reduced for the winter season. Please check the timetable.
• Route CR6 – The first journey from Beaminster will now depart at 7.04am to ensure a connection at Bridport for students travelling to Weymouth College.

Full timetable details: Timetables | First Bus. Passengers are advised to check details before travelling ahead of the new services coming into effect.

Terrance James, Head of Network for First Wessex, said: “Working in partnership with Dorset Council we’re pleased to make changes which continue to improve services for our customers. These include continuing the X51 route to serve Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton, as well as helping college students in Beaminster make their connection to Weymouth College.

“Our next round of network changes will be in May next year and we’re keen to hear from local people on what else they’d like to see from our services.”

X51 and X53 - A3052 Lyme Regis will be closed for water works.

From 16th October to 18th October between 19:00 and 07:00, A3052 Lyme Regis will be closed. The following services are impacted each night: 

X53 - 05:59 from Bridport Bus Station

X51 - 17:22 from the King’s Statue.

X51 - 19:00 from Dorchester South

These services will be diverted via A35, Hunter’s Lodge, Lyme Road, through Uplyme, Woodroffe School 2nd exit, Silver Street and Pound Street.

The following stops will be missed: Fernhill Hotel, Golf Club, Frosts Corner, Football Ground, Anning Road and Lyme Regis Square.

And:

X53 - 06:39 from Talbot Arms

X53 - 19:15 from Axminster

These services will be diverted via Langmoor Gardens, Pound Road, Silver Street, Lyme Road, Hunter’s Lodge, A35 and 3rd exit off of Charmouth roundabout to commence the route. 

The following stops will be missed: Lyme Regis Post Office, Anning Road, Football Ground, Frosts Corner, Golf Club and Fernhill Hotel. 

Outbound

At Portesham, bses to turn right onto Front Street and follow road until junction, left on the B3159, left onto the A35 follow X51 route until East Road Roundabout, 1st exit Sea Road South, 2nd exit West Bay Road, after West Bay return to normal route.

Inbound

After West Bay, left at junction West Bay Road and down to the crown roundabout, 3rd exit A35 Sea Road South at East Road roundabout, 3rd exit A35 East Road. Will follow X51 route to Winterbourne Abbas, right onto B3159, 1st right onto Coombe Road. To continue into Portesham, left at junction onto B3157 Bramdon Lane and continue normal route.

Roadworks at B3157 Goose Hill, Portesham will mean that the X53 will divert via Winterbourne Abbas from 30 September until 8 November 2024. A special temporary route – the T53 – will be introduced to operate a shuttle service from Abbotsbury - Bridport only. This T53 service will be FREE to use.

The timetable of the X53 will change between Weymouth and Bridport to account for the diversion via Winterbourne Abbas. Route T53 will operate to connect with services to/from Weymouth, however some passengers may need to travel on the X51 to Bridport to make the connection in some instances.

The timetable between Bridport and Axminster remains unchanged. Further details can be found here: Wessex, Dorset & South Somerset | First Bus.