If you are travelling via bus this summer, you may come across a rather unusual passenger.

As part of the Stampede by the Sea art trail, Ponty the baby elephant will be travelling onboard First Wessex buses.

The bus company will be taking the sculpture on trips on its Jurassic Coaster from August 12 to 18.

READ: Weldmar Hospicecare Stampede by the Sea art trail

James Eustace, First Bus south’s commercial director, said: “We’re excited to help Ponty on his bus holiday, showing people the beautiful elephant sculpture that will be part of Weldmar Hospicecare’s Stampede by the Sea art trail.

“As transport partners for the trail, we wanted to help people see that getting out by bus is a brilliant way to travel. We hope next Spring when the trail is in full swing that we can encourage people to choose the bus to access Stampede by the Sea.”

The art trail is supporting Weldmar Hospicecare and will take place in spring 2025, across Bridport, West Bay, and Lyme Regis, featuring up to 50 elephants, designed and painted by talented artists.

Before then, passengers and holidaymakers are being given the chance to find Ponty.

Caroline Hamblett, Weldmar Hospicecare CEO, said: "It's so good to see, even with a few months to go before the trail goes live, that the excitement is building and thank you to First Wessex for getting people talking about what will be a fantastic event."

READ: First Wessex joins Stampede by the Sea west Dorset art trail

To help people find Ponty on the bus, First Wessex are offering a special discounted Group Day Dorset Ticket for up to five people for £10, rather than £25.

Maps to help follow Ponty can be found at the First Wessex information kiosk by Kings Statue in Weymouth, as well as Ponty stickers if he is successfully spotted.

Passengers also have the chance to follow Ponty on social media and if they post a picture, with the hashtag #pontyonthebus they can come to the kiosk to get a free bus ticket for future use.

Here’s which bus you can find him on each day:

  • X52 Weymouth to Bridport Monday 12 August
  • Portland Coaster Weymouth to Portland Bill Tuesday 13 August
  • X50 Weymouth to Swanage Wednesday 14 August
  • Portland Coaster Weymouth to Portland Bill Thursday 15 August
  • X50 Weymouth to Swanage Friday 16 August
  • X52 Weymouth to Bridport Saturday 17 August
  • X50 Weymouth to Swanage Sunday 18 August