Busloads to Love

There's busloads to discover with First Wessex!

Busloads of amazing sights to see and new memories to make, busloads of evenings out with old friends and funny selfies to take, from pub quizzes with mates to that special first date, with free museums to explore and cocktails to pour... because when travel costs less, you can do a whole lot more.

Let us get you where you need to be, with great value fares across all of Wessex:

We already have great value singles available across Wessex. Now, thanks to Help for Households, we'll have £2 singles available across Wessex.

Contracted school services are excluded from the £2 bus fare cap.

If your journey requires multiple buses to reach your destination the £2 single fare will not cover the entire trip, as you would have to purchase the £2 single fare for each bus you use. Please check your fare before traveling as purchasing separate £2 single fares may still be the cheaper option.

The new £2 single fare cap offers excellent value for money and can be paid on our buses by contactless devices (bank card, smartphone or smartwatch). If paying by cash and to help our staff, it would be appreciated if the exact fare is tendered.

Discover more by clicking here.

Download the First Bus App for busloads of helpful tools - plan your adventure with our Journey Planner, track your bus live on a map, or buy your bus ticket before you travel.

1, For a great day out on our Jurassic Coaster services and places to visit, please click here, or visit our Jurassic Coaster page.

2, Places to visit in and around Weymouth on our Wessex local buses.

Weymouth

There’s plenty for the whole family to do along Weymouth’s safe golden beach, including fantastic views of the Jurassic Coastline. There’s plenty of entertainment with traditional Punch and Judy, Donkey Rides, Trampolines, Pedalos and Swing Boats. Plus a bustling town centre with many high street and independent shops.

Services: Wessex 1,2,3,4,8,9/9A,10, Jurassic Coaster X51,X52 (summer only) X53,X54, Portland Coaster 501, Wessex 502, 503 (501-503 are summer seasonal services).

Dorchester Market

The famous market on the streets of Dorchester is on every Wednesday and is great to have a look around and grab a bargain!

There's also the Dinosaur Museum!

Services: Wessex 10, Jurassic Coaster X51.

Portland Castle

One of Henry VIII’s finest coastal forts, built in the early 1540s. Take a tour of the castle’s 470 year history, it’s a great day out!

Services: Wessex 1 (Short walk from the Castle Road Bus Stop), Portland Coaster 501 (summer only).

Chesil Beach

The iconic Chesil Beach is 18 miles long from Portland to West Bay. Visit the Chesil Beach Centre to learn more, or visit Chesil Cove to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Services: Wessex 1, Jurassic Coaster X53, Portland Coaster 501 (summer only)

New Winter Timetables

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.”

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