PlusBus in Dorset

Please note the following changes to services over the Christmas period:

• PlusBus will not be running from Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) to Wednesday 1 January (New Year’s Day) (inclusive).  Our office will be closed during that period.
• Our office will reopen Thursday 2 January* for bookings, and when services will resume as normal.
• (*Bookings for 2 January need to be made by 2.30pm Wednesday 24 December)

What is PlusBus and can I use it?

Our PlusBus service provides transport for people who are unable to easily access public transport: young or old and including those with mobility difficulties. To use PlusBus, simply register your details with us initially and then pre-book your seat whenever you wish to join the bus. Where possible, we can offer a “door-to-door” service and can also accommodate passengers travelling in wheelchairs.

Where and when can I travel?

Our PlusBus service offers a weekday trip from neighbouring villages to local destination towns, arriving approximately 10am and departing approximately 1pm. Please click on the relevant link below for detail on our current routes to and from:

• Blandford
• Bridport
• Dorchester
• Fordingbridge (PlusBus Shuttle)
• Ringwood
• Salisbury
• Sherborne
• Sherborne (Wriggle Valley PlusBus)
• Wimborne
• Yeovil
• Yeovil (Wiggle Valley PlusBus)

We are always looking to improve and trial new PlusBus services. Services could run fortnightly or monthly, and we could consider alternating the destination or day of travel according to suggested preferences.

How do I register? 

Before you can book PlusBus journeys, you’ll first need to register. It’s quick and easy to do - find out more here. 

How do I book?

Call us on 01258 287 987 (between 9.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays) or email us at dorset@ectcharity.co.uk. Once registered, trips can be booked up to one month in advance but no later than 2.30pm the previous working day. Please see below for information about bookings around the Bank Holidays.

Do you run on Bank Holidays? What happens over Christmas?

PlusBus does not run on Bank Holidays or any time during the 8-day period from and including Christmas Day to and including New Year’s Day. As our bookings line is closed during these times, you will need to take note of the deadlines below for booking travel.

How much does it cost?

As from 2024, our fixed return fare is £8. PlusBus services are cash only and we are unable to accept any card/contactless payments. We continue to accept the National Bus Pass. Simply present your valid bus pass to the driver each time you travel! Please note that pass holders will still need to register with us (for free!) and pre-book each journey in the usual way.

How is PlusBus funded?

We do not receive any direct subsidy for our PlusBus service – we provide it as part of our charitable objectives and public benefit to help improve transport opportunities to individuals within the community.