Some frequently asked questions...

IS THE TIMETABLE EASY TO READ?
At a first glance a timetable page can appear complicated, but if you follow a few simple steps you will be surprised to find how easy it is to find all the information you need
1) Make sure that you are looking at the timetable for the correct direction on travel and day of the week for your journey.
2) Find your starting point in the list of timing points on the left of the page. If your exact starting point is not listed use the nearest timing point Before the stop where you want to catch the bus.
3) Look across the page until you find the departure time which is most convenient to you.
4) Look down the column for the arrival time at your destination (i.e. again select the appropriate timing point from the list on the left of the page). If a time is not shown for your destination that particular bus does not go there and you will have to select another timing.
5) If any code symbols or letters are shown at the top of the journey column or against the timings it is vital that you check their meaning. Codes are normally explained at the foot of each timetable.

PLEASE CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE 24-HOUR CLOCK?
We use the 24-hour clock to avoid confusion between a.m. and p.m. journey times. The 24-hour clock is very easy to understand; simply all morning times up to 9:59 am are prefixed by 0 (eg. 8.24 am would be shown as 0824) whilst afternoon and evening times from 1pm onwards have 12 added to the hour (eg. 4.47 pm would be shown as 1647). You may find the clockface opposite helpful. The 24-hour clock is used by major transport undertakings throughout the world, and once understood really is much easier to use than the 12-hour clock.

HOW DO I CATCH THE BUS?
You can catch the bus from a bus station or from a bus stop along the line of route. Make sure that you get to the bus stop a few minutes before the bus is due. As the bus approaches you will see that it has its route number and destination on the front. If it is the bus you want, please signal the driver to stop by putting up your hand in good time as the bus approaches.

HOW SHOULD I PAY MY FARE?
Unless you already have a ticket for the journey you are making and can show this to the driver, you must pay your fare when you get on the bus. You must pay in cash - cheques or credit/debit cards are not accepted. It will save delay if you could kindly have your money ready. If you can give the driver the correct money for your fare this is very helpful, but if not the driver will give you change if he can.

HAVE YOU ANY BARGAIN TRAVEL TICKETS?
Yes - there are lots of money-saving tickets; there’s almost certainly one to suit you.

CAN I SMOKE ON THE BUS?
For everybody’s comfort and safety smoking is completely prohibited on all Wilts & Dorset buses. Also you are asked not to eat hot snacks (such as fish & chips, burgers or similar) or drink bottled and canned drinks while on the bus. Please use your mobile phone with consideration for other people on the bus.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I WANT TO GET OFF THE BUS?
Let the driver know by ringing the bell once in good time. Nearly all of our buses have “bus stopping” signs which light up to confirm that the bus will stop at the next bus stop.

WHERE DO I CATCH THE BUS BACK?
Often the bus for your return journey will leave from a different stop (normally on the opposite side of the road) from the one you got off at. Ask the driver when you get off if you are unsure about where to catch your bus home.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A COMPLAINT OR SUGGESTION?
We aim to proved a reliable, comfortable and friendly bus service which gives our customers good value for money. On rare occasions things can go wrong, and if this should happen we would like to hear from you so that matters can be put right.
Similarly we are always pleased to consider any suggestions you have for improving the effectiveness or our services.
Please write to:
The Customer Services Manager
Wilts & Dorset Bus Company
Bus Station
Dolphin Centre
Poole BH15 1SN

If you are making a complaint please give as many details as you can, and enclose your bus ticket if possible.
If you prefer you can contact us via:
Telephone: 01202 673555 between 0830 and 1800 on Mondays to Saturdays
or
Email: use our Contact Us form

In the extremely unlikely event that we are not able to satisfactorily resolve a complaint, there is an independent body which can review the case.
Please write to:
The Bus Appeals Body
P O Box 320
Portsmouth PO5 3SD

THANK YOU FOR USING OUR SERVICES AND HAPPY TRAVELLING!