Three Dorset organisations have come together with Dorset Community Transport to provide a new bus route for the summer. Purbeck Community Rail Partnership, The Blue Pool and RSPB Arne have teamed up with Dorset Community Transport to create the Purbeck Shuttle – Service 200. The route, which is also supported by Dorset Council, connects Wareham Station to The Blue Pool and Arne on Wednesdays and Purbeck Park (for Norden Station) with The Blue Pool and Arne on Saturdays.
The service builds on the experience of a successful pilot project, Service 2RN, which has connected Wareham Station with RSPB Arne over the summer for the past few years.
“We’re delighted that these Dorset organisations have chosen to partner with us so we can provide access to places otherwise impossible to reach on public transport” said Tim Christian, General manager at Dorset Community Transport. “When we work together, everyone benefits: local venues, tourists, residents – and the environment.”
“We learned from our experience with Service 2RN that passengers really value being able to make their journeys to these venues by bus – not simply because parking can be a challenge in high season, but people want to do their bit for the environment as well. For some residents, this is the only way they can access these locations. We’ve also been taking feedback from residents living along the route, who tell us that they’ve found it useful – and have even helped name the service: the Purbeck Shuttle.”
Matthew Elliott Jones, Managing Director of the Furzebrook Estate, said "We are delighted at the introduction of this new shuttle bus from Wareham to The Blue Pool. This wonderful service isn't just a journey – it is a step towards greener travel, supporting local discovery, opening the doors to adventure, connection and the beauty right on our doorstep".
Steven Booth, Purbeck Community Rail Officer said “We are so pleased to be involved in this project working with our partners as it supports our aims and objectives to promote sustainable integrated transport by linking the railway and bus to Purbeck’s most picturesque attractions.”
Peter Robertson, Senior Sites Manager, Dorset Reserves at the RSPB said “We’re really excited for the new Purbeck Shuttle – Service 200, which will help more people enjoy the outstanding places in our part of Dorset – including RSPB Arne. This is what can be achieved when local organisations come together in partnership to get things done.”
The Purbeck Shuttle – Service 200 began operation on Wednesday 28 May and runs until Saturday 30 August. Full service detail, including tickets and timetables, can be found here.
You can also find out more about how the service came about, some of the partners involved, and even some of the reactions from the travelling public on this BBC Solent clip here.
