Concessions

Enjoy free bus travel forever with a Senior Bus Pass!

Whether you're catching up with old friends, or spending time with the grandkids at the beach, if you're eligible for a state pension, you qualify for free bus travel across Dorset and England through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

With a Senior Bus Pass, you can enjoy unlimited free bus rides every weekday from 9:30am onwards, all day on weekends and public holidays too. You could meet up with friends for a coffee or catch up with your family, head to the shops or explore some of the local museums - you can do more of what you love whilst spending less.

So what are you waiting for? Start making memories to last a lifetime with your free Senior Bus Pass.

Click here to apply today

Looking for more inspiration? Click here for places to visit across our network.

Got a destination in mind but not sure what bus to catch? Use our online Journey Planner by clicking here or download the First Bus App by clicking here.

Here's everything you need to know

Am I eligible?

If you qualify for a state pension and are a permanent resident in Dorset, you can apply for a Senior Bus Pass.

How do I apply?

Click here to apply with Dorset Council

How do I use my pass?

Simply tap, beep, then take a seat!
1. Tap your pass onto the ticket machine as you board.
2. Wait for the beep from the ticket machine.
3. Take a seat on the bus.

What if my pass doesn't work?
You can still travel - your driver will record your pass manually and issue you with a ticket for your journey.

Need more information?

Click here to find out more about the benefits, other ways to apply, and terms and conditions.

X51, X53 - Pound Street, Broad Street

Between the hours of 18:30 – 20:30 only.

This will affect the following services.

X51 18:15 from Axminster

X53 19:05 from Lyme Regis Post Office.

X53 17:08 from Weymouth King’s Statue.

Outbound

Busses to take 1st exit at Charmouth roundabout, A3052 follow road all the way down to Anning road busses to turn right into Anning road, then right again into Kingsway. At the end of the road turn left into Queens walk then left again onto Anning road, at the end of Anning road busses to turn left onto Charmouth road and continue route towards Axminster.

Inbound

Same as above but in reverse.

Note:

We are unable to serve: Lyme Square, Langmoor Gardens, Holm bush, Kent house, Travis Perkins, Medical Centre, Woodroffe School, Whalley Lane, Talbot arms, Lime kiln lane, Cathole Lane, Stonecrest.

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.”