WE ARE WEYMOUTH LAUNCHES NIGHT BUSES TO BOOST THE TOWN’S NIGHT-TIME ECONOMY

A new late-night bus service is set to make Weymouth’s evenings safer, greener, and more vibrant.

From May to 31 December 2025, We Are Weymouth (BID) is piloting a late-night bus service in partnership with First Bus to support the town’s night-time economy. The move follows consultation with local businesses, who called for better public transport to help visitors and residents enjoy Weymouth’s thriving bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues without worrying about how to get home.

The extended service means the last buses will now run until 1am, starting with routes connecting Portland, Weymouth, and Dorchester in May, and adding services to Littlemoor and Preston in July. Subject to funding, a Chickerell route is also planned.

Why It Matters

The late-night buses aim to:

  • Boost local hospitality and entertainment by encouraging people to stay out longer

  • Provide a safe and affordable way home, reducing the need for lone walking at night

  • Offer a greener alternative to car travel, helping cut carbon emissions

  • Improve access to evening and night-time jobs

Dawn Rondeau-Irvine, Chief Operations Officer at We Are Weymouth, said:

“We are thrilled to have instigated this project and to have secured funding from Dorchester Town Council, Portland Town Council, and Weymouth Town Council, as well as We Are Weymouth. Our message is clear – please use the buses to attend events and have some great evenings out in the town. Let’s work together to make the pilot viable so the service continues into 2026.”

Community Support

The initiative has been welcomed by local leaders:

  • Cllr Charlie Flack, Vice Chair of Portland Town Council: “The Town Council welcomes the trial of the late-night bus service in support of the local night-time economy, by helping to enhance residents and visitors’ safety whilst providing employment opportunities.”

  • Cllr Jon Orrell, Mayor of Weymouth: “We are pleased to support this initiative and hope it makes travel to and from work easier for our vital late-night workers and also those enjoying a night out in Weymouth. Buses are also better for the environment than many cars.”

The pilot will be reviewed by First Bus later this year, with the goal of making late-night buses a permanent feature of Weymouth’s evening life.