New bus services trialled for West Dorset villages

The X51 will connect Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton

West Dorset MP Chris Loder with the newly extended X51 bus
Author: Faye TryhornPublished 20th May 2024

A new bus services linking two West Dorset villages is being trialled, after 10 years of campaigning.

The X51 will be run by First Wessex between Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton until September.

It's a diverted route for the service that already travels from Weymouth to Bridport and Axminster.

Usage of the service from the extra villages will be assessed to see whether it has long term viability.

Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has welcomed the service:

“After 10 years without a proper bus service, I’m pleased to have helped restore the X51 route through the villages of Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton.

"I would especially like to thank First Wessex; Stewart Palmer, Chair of Dorchester Transport Action Group (DTAG); and Les Scarth, who has campaigned tirelessly for a bus route through the villages. I would strongly encourage residents to use this trial service, as passenger numbers will be used to assess the route’s long-term viability.”

Chris Loder MP with campaigners Stewart Palmer and Les Scarth

Stewart Palmer, Chair of DTAG, said:

“The X51 trial diversion is the result of local agitation and tremendous community involvement. We all want this to be a commercial success for First Wessex, and it depends entirely on residents and visitors using the service.

"There has never been a better time to use the bus, with the £2 bus fare which will run until December 2024. The service will help connect communities for work, employment, and leisure activities.”

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