Dorset Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) is enhancing transport links across North Dorset with more frequent bus services, stronger connections to rail, and what it calls ‘improved accessibility for rural communities’.

Through funding provided by central government, these upgrades aim to make public transport a more convenient, sustainable choice for residents, the council says.

CR2 (Shaftesbury – Gillingham) Improved frequency and Saturday service

With a retimed schedule, CR2 connects better with CR3 at Gillingham, making onward travel to Marnhull and Sturminster Newton smoother – perfect for trips to the health centre or town visits.

Passengers will enjoy an enhanced half-hourly service across most of the day, ensuring reliable and frequent transport. From Saturday 24 May, CR2 will operate six days a week, mirroring its weekday timetable.

The route circuits Shaftesbury, providing a simple town service for residents in newer developments and an easy connection to Gillingham railway station.

CR3 (Sturminster Newton – Gillingham) Six-day service and stronger rail connections

Passengers travelling between Gillingham, Marnhull, and Sturminster Newton will now benefit from improved frequency on weekdays and the introduction of Saturday services from 24 May.

By retiming CR3 to better connect with CR2 at Gillingham, Dorset Council has ensured easier onward travel for passengers—particularly those from Motcombe and Shaftesbury, whether heading to health services or town visits.

Rail connectivity at Gillingham Station is significantly improved, offering better access for commuters and leisure travellers.

Seamless bus and train travel: Shaftesbury to Sherborne in under an hour

Passengers can now reach Sherborne from Shaftesbury in under an hour using a combined bus and train journey, with return trips in just 45 minutes, six days a week.

At Gillingham Station, trains now currently run:

• West every hour towards Exeter

• Up to half-hourly at peak times, and hourly throughout the day towards Tisbury, Salisbury, and London

• Fast bus connections at Salisbury Station to Bournemouth, up to twice an hour, expanding travel possibilities.

These improvements open up exciting new opportunities for family days out, commutes, and leisure trips across Dorset and beyond.

The new £1 Gillingham town ticket

For just £1, Gillingham residents can travel freely within the town all day, making multiple trips without worrying about cost. This affordable local ticket is valid for travel only within Gillingham, ensuring easy and cost-effective journeys throughout the town.

Councillor Derek Beer, ward member for Shaftesbury Town, welcomed the improvements, saying: ‘Public transport is vital for a thriving, connected community. These improvements make travel easier, more frequent, and better linked with rail services, creating a seamless transport network. Strengthening links between buses and trains helps residents move around Dorset without relying on a car. I encourage everyone to embrace these expanded services to support sustainable, accessible travel across the county.’

Andrew Ardley, Regional Development Manager (West) at South Western Railway, added: ‘We are really pleased to see these bus service improvements being put in place by Dorset Council, especially the new Saturday services between Gillingham and Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton. We look forward to promoting these links with rail services with the council, community rail partnership, and South West Coaches, particularly the ability to visit the town of Shaftesbury and the surrounding area from many destinations across the south.’

More info:

CR2 timetable – https://mcusercontent.com/c39535cf4f9d1ca66af8d2b44/files/593814ef-5894-8cc5-aac2-1fab5e314033/CR2_Timetable_25.05.2025.pdf

CR3 timetable – https://mcusercontent.com/c39535cf4f9d1ca66af8d2b44/files/94f88d41-672b-db9f-6913-75bd23a58026/CR3_Timetable_25.05.2025.pdf

 More information on the Dorset Bus Service Improvement Plan can be found at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/dorset-bus-service-improvement-plan-2024