A NEW evening bus service will be launched this summer, linking Lyme Regis and Bridport and the villages in between.
The service, called LB1, will start on Friday 1 May and will run every Friday and Saturday night until Saturday 26 September.
LB1 will start at Bridport bus station at 6.15pm and the last bus will leave Lyme Regis at 11.30pm, stopping at Chideock, Morecombelake and Charmouth.
There will also be the opportunity to link with the X53 service from Weymouth for the first two buses from Bridport and the last bus from Lyme Regis will travel back to Weymouth, offering even more flexibility for passengers.
The project for a late-night bus service was spearheaded by West Dorset Commons, who worked in partnership with Lyme Regis Town Council to secure a £20,000 grant from Western Gateway STB, the Sub-national Transport Body for the West of England.
West Dorset Commons was also responsible for the Bridport to West Bay shuttle, the WB1, which was launched last summer.
Josef Davies-Coates, of West Dorset Commons said: "I'm really excited about the LB1. I've already booked tickets to the Dub Pistols gig at the Marine Theatre on Friday 1 May, a night out I wouldn't have been able to afford without the LB1.
“And I'm looking forward to enjoying long summer evenings on the beach without watching the clock for the last bus back."
West Dorset Commons member Amanda Montague said: "Connecting rural communities is more than a move to boost commerce. It improves safety in the community, enables a further reach for social and cultural engagement, supports a regular opportunity for meet ups and the building of friendships.
“It brings back the old art of the ‘foray’ and makes it possible for all to join in and feel part of a bigger movement."
The mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Philip Evans, said: “This service will be of huge benefit to all the towns and villages on the route, improving accessibility and offering choice to our residents and visitors, as well as providing a huge boost to businesses and the local economy.
“It will also provide transport for shift workers, such as hospitality staff and NHS workers, who work unsocial hours.
“In a rural area like this, good public transport is essential but has been lacking. This is the third public transport service Lyme Regis Town Council has supported, as we also run the town bus, called Lyme Link, and the park and ride service.
“Our thanks and congratulations go to West Dorset Commons for getting this idea off the ground. We are proud to support it.”
The service will be run by First Bus, using its well-known double deckers, capable of transporting more than 90 people at a time.
Leanne Rowland-Bright, staff manager at the First Bus depot which will operate the service, said: “We’re delighted to again support the town council in giving visitors an easier way to travel and enjoy local beaches.
“Our team is ready to welcome customers on board this summer for a quick and comfortable journey which helps reduce traffic on local roads and the problems of congestion.”
The LB1 has also been welcome by local businesses and entertainment venues.
Gabby Rabbitts, director of the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis, said: “With many people coming to the Marine from other towns such as Bridport, we are often asked about the best way to get here.
“This is fantastic news for anyone wishing to enjoy an evening of music, comedy, or theatre and visit other businesses at the same time for a drink or bite to eat.”
The LB1 timetable is available here.