Southampton Bus Update

Analysis of the Withdrawal of the 46 Bus Route and its Effects on the Winchester and North Baddesley Corridor

2025-09-07T12:53:00.002+01:00

What follows is a report generated by AI. It is an experiment to see if AI could be viable in reviving this blog, which I no longer have the time to maintain. Please comment and let me know if you'd like to see more like this, or if it's all a load of tosh.

Executive Summary

The cessation of the Stagecoach 46 bus service on August 29, 2025, represents a significant disruption to public transport for thousands of residents in the communities it served, including North Baddesley, Valley Park, and Knightwood. The withdrawal, a direct consequence of Hampshire County Council (HCC) ending its contract for the subsidised route, was part of a broader fiscal strategy to address a £132 million budget shortfall. The report identifies that the effects of this decision are multi-faceted, extending beyond mere logistical inconvenience to encompass profound social, economic, and psychological consequences for the affected populace.

The analysis reveals that the 46 bus route was a critical "lifeline" for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, those with limited mobility, and students, providing a degree of independence now lost. While HCC and Stagecoach have pointed to the availability of alternatives, such as the Connect Transport service and voluntary schemes, a critical assessment demonstrates that these are not equivalent replacements. They lack the convenience, reliability, and affordability of a scheduled public bus service, thereby creating significant barriers to travel and reinforcing a sense of isolation.

The policy framework underpinning the withdrawal, specifically the allocation of government Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funds, is identified as a central point of contention. The decision to use these funds to enhance commercially viable urban routes while simultaneously cutting "socially necessary" services has created a two-tiered transport system, which residents have described as a "post code lottery". Ultimately, the report concludes that the withdrawal has created a demonstrable transport deficit that existing alternatives are insufficient to bridge, highlighting a fundamental conflict between a market-driven approach to public transport and the social imperative of universal access.

1. Introduction: Context of the 46 Bus Route Withdrawal

1.1. Service Profile and Historical Significance

The Stagecoach 46 bus service was a pivotal transport link for a diverse range of communities, providing connectivity along the corridor from North Baddesley through Valley Park, Knightwood, Hiltingbury, Hursley, Pitt, and Olivers Battery, culminating in Winchester City Centre. For decades, the route served as a primary artery for residents, facilitating daily commutes, essential medical appointments, educational travel, and social engagements. A review of the previous timetable confirms its role in connecting key destinations, including the Royal Hampshire County Hospital and Peter Symonds College. Its function was not merely transactional; it was a foundational component of the community's public transport network, enabling a high degree of daily independence for its users.

1.2. The Withdrawal: A Timeline and Official Rationale

The formal withdrawal of the service was announced by Stagecoach, citing the termination of a contract with Hampshire County Council. The final journey for the 46 bus took place on Friday, August 29, 2025. This decision was part of a broader set of transport cuts made by HCC, which sought to achieve approximately £1.7 million in savings to mitigate a substantial £132 million budget shortfall. The council publicly stated that the cuts were the result of withdrawing "discretionary funding for ten subsidised, commercially unviable bus services". A key point of the official announcements from both Stagecoach and HCC was that the 46 route would be withdrawn with "no replacement".

2. The Multi-Faceted Impact on the Community

The effects of the 46 bus route's withdrawal have been far-reaching, creating significant disruption across several dimensions of community life.

2.1. Social and Economic Disruption

The most immediate impact has been a tangible increase in the difficulty of performing daily tasks. Residents who previously relied on the 46 service for journeys to work, medical appointments, and social outings now face a substantial logistical challenge. For those with access to private vehicles, this may simply translate into a greater reliance on cars, but for others, it could necessitate the use of more expensive and less convenient alternatives like taxis. The disruption has a direct economic consequence, forcing individuals to incur higher travel costs or, in many cases, to forego essential journeys entirely.

2.2. Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The consequences of the withdrawal have not been felt equally across the community. The most severe impacts have been on groups with limited alternative options.

The Elderly and People with Limited Mobility: The service was widely regarded as a "lifeline" for many residents, particularly those who do not drive and have limited mobility. The lead campaigner, Susan Dorsett, who relied on the service for 26 years, expressed feeling "bereft" and stated that the loss of the service meant the "end of an era" for thousands. The withdrawal of this vital link has left many feeling "trapped and isolated at home". This loss of independence is a recurring theme among the affected population, representing a fundamental change in their quality of life.
Students: Students are another group heavily affected by the decision. One college student who was highly dependent on the service was among those who took the final journey. The 46 bus route provided a direct connection to educational institutions such as Peter Symonds College, and its withdrawal now presents a significant logistical hurdle for students commuting from North Baddesley and surrounding areas.

2.3. The Psychological and Emotional Toll

Beyond the logistical and economic impacts, the withdrawal has had a considerable psychological and emotional toll on the community. Resident testimonials consistently convey a sense of profound distress, with individuals expressing feelings of being "depressed, frustrated, despairing and angry". The community feels "let down" by Hampshire County Council, a sentiment that stems from a perceived disregard for the social necessity of the service. This distress is compounded by a sense of being "forgotten" , with campaigners arguing that the council's focus on profitable routes overlooks the needs of communities that depend on subsidised, non-commercial links.

The immediate financial savings from cutting the bus service may not account for the long-term, cascading effects. The increased isolation and reduced mobility for vulnerable groups could lead to a greater prevalence of mental and physical health issues. The need for home care services and reactive medical transport may rise, placing a greater strain on public health resources. The initial cost-saving measure could thus paradoxically result in an increase in public expenditure in other sectors, transforming a transport problem into a public health and social care challenge.

3. Policy and Financial Drivers Behind the Decision

The withdrawal of the 46 bus route is not a spontaneous event but a direct consequence of specific policy and financial decisions made at the local government level.

3.1. The Financial Crisis at Hampshire County Council

The primary and most cited reason for the transport cuts is the severe financial pressure facing Hampshire County Council. The council has openly acknowledged a substantial £132 million budget shortfall, with the transport cuts designed to save approximately £1.7 million. This financial context serves as the official justification for terminating the contracts for ten "commercially unviable" services , including the 46 route.

3.2. The Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and Strategic Priorities

The role of the government's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) is central to the controversy. While the BSIP's stated goal is to "enhance local bus services and connectivity" , its application has been a source of significant criticism from residents and campaigners. The funds have been used to make "major improvements on key routes" , such as increasing the frequency of service 64 (Alton-Winchester) to every 20 minutes at peak times and adding earlier and later journeys. Similarly, service 69 (Fareham-Winchester) has been re-routed to a more direct route via the M3 to offer faster journey times, and the Sunday service has been enhanced to be hourly.

However, campaigners have vociferously argued that this funding is being used to bolster "profit-making city Centre routes" and services with high commercial potential , while "vital, vulnerable routes" like the 46 are neglected. This allocation of resources has created a systemic inequity, leading to the community's accurate characterisation of the situation as a "postcode lottery" , where the quality of public transport is determined by the profitability of the route rather than the social needs of the community it serves.

The stated goal of the BSIP—to improve bus services and connectivity—is seemingly in direct conflict with the withdrawal of ten subsidised routes. The application of BSIP funding appears to be a strategic optimisation for the benefit of high-patronage corridors, a policy that, by its very nature, necessitates the termination of less-frequented services to justify the overall financial strategy. The BSIP, in this context, does not act as a universal solution but as a policy tool that has reinforced the divide between urban and rural transport networks. The core of this issue is a conflict in values, where the economic imperative to balance budgets is placed above the social obligation to provide equitable access to public services for all citizens.

The following table provides a summary of the routes that have received BSIP funding improvements, providing a clear illustration of the strategic priorities of Hampshire County Council and Stagecoach.

Service Number	Route	Nature of Improvement
64	Alton - Winchester	Increased frequency at peak times (every 20 minutes), with added early and late journeys.
69	Fareham - Winchester	More direct route via M3 for faster travel times, earlier weekday buses, and enhanced hourly Sunday service.
2	Winnall - City Centre - Stanmore	Revised Sunday timetable.
3	Harestock - City Centre	Revised Saturday/Sunday and early evening timetables to improve punctuality.
4	Highcliffe - City Centre - Teg Down	New timetable running hourly between City Centre and Highcliffe only.
5	Badger Farm - City Centre	Revised evening timetable to improve punctuality.
6	Springvale - City Centre	Revised timetable.
7	Sparsholt - Winchester	New route and timetable; now serves Teg Down with two daily journeys.
16	Broughton, Stockbridge & Kings Somborne - Winchester	New timetable with route changes in Winchester to use Andover Road, Bereweeke Road, etc.

4. A Critical Assessment of Remaining Transport Options

In the aftermath of the 46 bus route withdrawal, a critical examination of the remaining transport options reveals that they do not serve as a genuine or equivalent replacement for the scheduled service.

4.1. The Connect Transport Service: An Officially Promoted Alternative

Description: Connect Transport, previously known as Dial-a-Ride, is presented as a viable alternative for affected residents. It is a bookable, door-to-door, accessible transport service utilising minibuses equipped with ramps and lifts for wheelchair and walking frame users. This service is intended for individuals who have difficulty using public buses, live a certain distance from a bus stop, or lack access to a private car when needed.
Limitations: Despite its benefits, Connect Transport is not a direct substitute for the 46 bus route. The most significant limitation is its operational model: it is a "pull" service, requiring passengers to register and book their journeys in advance, which eliminates the possibility of spontaneous travel. This fundamentally different model removes the ease and independence of a "push" system, where a scheduled bus arrives at a predictable time. Furthermore, a critical financial constraint is that concessionary passes cannot be used on these services, and the fares are not subsidised, with medical transport fares ranging from £6 to £22.40. As of January 1, 2023, Hampshire County Council no longer offers a 25% discount for pass holders, further increasing the cost for many users.

4.2. Voluntary and Community-Based Alternatives

Description: Volunteer-based schemes, such as Voluntary Car Schemes and Good Neighbour Schemes, are also promoted as alternatives. These initiatives, supported by HCC and charities like MHA Communities, rely on volunteer drivers who use their own cars or minibuses to provide transport. These services are generally intended for "occasional one off transport for health appointments etc.".
Limitations: A volunteer-based framework is inherently unable to replicate the capacity, reliability, or frequency of a daily, scheduled bus service. The service is contingent on the availability of volunteer drivers, making it unreliable for daily commuting or for students who require consistent, timely transport. While valuable for isolated individuals, this model is a supplementary support system, not a public transport network.

4.3. Other Public Transport Services (Not Viable)

The geographical and network constraints of the area mean that other public transport services are not viable replacements. An analysis of train services confirms that they do not serve the North Baddesley-Winchester route directly, as there is no rail connectivity between the two locations. While other bus routes exist, many have also been subject to cuts or re-routing that do not benefit the previously served areas.

The term "alternative" has been used by the council and transport operators to frame the withdrawal as a manageable change rather than a severe loss of service. However, a detailed comparison reveals that these options are not genuine alternatives but a different, and inferior, class of service. A scheduled bus service like the 46 provided predictable and immediate access to a network. The "alternatives," being reactive and often more expensive, require advanced planning and negotiation. This shift from a public-service-oriented model to an on-demand, individualised model fundamentally erodes the independence of the user. The transition is not a lateral move to a different solution; it represents a significant regression in the level of service provided.

The following table synthesises this analysis by comparing the now-withdrawn service with its promoted "alternatives," highlighting the fundamental differences in their operational models and limitations.

Service Type	Service Provider	Service Model	Cost	Booking Requirements	Accessibility	Key Limitation(s)
The Stagecoach 46 Bus	Stagecoach	Public Network (Push Model)	Standard fare, concessionary passes accepted	None, scheduled service	Good	Service is now withdrawn.
Connect Transport	Hampshire County Council, One Community	On-demand (Pull Model)	Standard fare (similar to bus); no concessionary pass discount	Required to register and book in advance.	Accessible for wheelchair/walking frame users.	Requires advance booking, no pass concessions, higher cost.
Voluntary Car Schemes	Voluntary organizations (e.g., MHA)	On-demand, volunteer-based	Mileage rate	Required to request service; reliant on volunteer availability.	Depends on vehicle; some are minibuses.	Unreliable for daily commuting; not a network.

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1. Synthesis of Findings

The withdrawal of the 46 bus route represents a policy decision that has left thousands of residents in the Winchester and North Baddesley corridor with a significant transport deficit. The cuts, justified by a financial crisis and a strategic focus that favours commercially viable routes, have disproportionately affected the most vulnerable. The promoted alternatives—Connect Transport and voluntary schemes—do not provide a comparable level of independence, reliability, or affordability. The situation has highlighted a fundamental conflict between the economic priorities of a public transport system and its social obligation to serve all members of the community, creating a scenario where short-term savings may lead to long-term societal costs.

5.2. Recommendations for Stakeholders

Based on the findings of this report, the following recommendations are put forth for the relevant stakeholders:

For Hampshire County Council: The council should re-evaluate its allocation of BSIP funding to ensure it supports a balanced transport network that includes "socially necessary" services, not just "profitable" ones. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis should be conducted that factors in the potential long-term costs of increased social isolation and pressure on health services against the short-term savings from bus route cuts.
For Transport Operators (e.g., Stagecoach): Transport operators should engage in a more transparent and collaborative dialogue with communities and local authorities when route changes are being considered, as the current process has been criticised for a lack of transparency and for causing public anger. Furthermore, they should explore innovative transport solutions, such as smaller-vehicle or on-demand services, that can serve low-patronage areas without the high overhead of a full-size bus route, while still retaining a degree of scheduled service reliability.
For Community Groups: Community groups should continue to petition and write to their MPs and local councillors, using the BSIP's stated goals as a point of leverage to advocate for equitable transport provision. Additionally, they could explore and propose new models for community-led transport services that can be funded through a combination of local government grants, fundraising, and a subscription-based model.

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Anger over plans to axe some Hampshire bus services | ITV News Meridian

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Campaigners set to protest for the end of bus service 46 | Hampshire Chronicle

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Stagecoach 46 bus service has been permanently cancelled - Daily Echo

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• Winchester • Valley Park • North Baddesley • Lordshill • - AWS

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Residents protest community bus cuts - Yahoo News Canada

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Stagecoach announces changes to Winchester bus services ...

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Winchester residents hit out at changes to number 4 route | Hampshire Chronicle

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Community transport services | Eastleigh Borough Council

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Connect transport | Transport and roads | Hampshire County Council

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volunteerfirst.co.uk

Volunteer Car Driver (own car) for MHA Communities – Hampshire Central

Late June Round Up

2023-06-25T20:35:00.001+01:00

Xelabus will run the X4 (Eastleigh-Hedge End) and X4A (Eastleigh-Velmore) for the final time on Saturday 29th July. After that, they transfer in some form to Bluestar in the form of routes 23 to Velmore and 24 to Hedge End. Hampshire County Council seem to have some involvement, which could mean cuts to the current frequencies. Also, the choice of route numbers mean Bluestar could already have plans for new routes numbered 21 and 22 - more on that as we get it.

Go South Coast (Bluestar, More, Salisbury Reds, Southern Vectis) are dropping their The Key smartcard from 31st July, so if you still use it, plan your alternative.

With First now gone from Southampton, Bluestar increased the cost of the Southampton City zone tickets from 5th June. Dayrider rises from £3.50 to £3.80 and the Weekly ticket rises from £10 to £12. Despite the name, these tickets are not valid throughout the city, only on routes which used to compete with First - full details here.

While we're on the subject of fares, since the start of the year, the government has been subsidising most single bus fares, which are capped at £2. The scheme was initially planned to run to the end of March and was then extended to the end of June. The government have said they're extending it to the end of October, but not all of our local operators have confirmed that they will continue to participate beyond the end of June. Stagecoach are carrying on to October, but First and Go Ahead have not yet confirmed - their websites mention the scheme as ending on 30th June, so be prepared for full price singles to return.

Stagecoach changed some of their ticket prices from last Sunday 18th June. The all zones South Gold Dayrider has been reduced to £8 for an adult. Other local tickets have new prices - see the full details here.

Unibus in Bournemouth are launching a new route, the U5, in October between Lansdowne and Talbot Campus. It will run on Wednesdays only and won't accept cash - only 10 trip tickets purchased via their app, although Unibus annual tickets will also be accepted. The exact route and timetable are still to be revealed.

The New Forest Tour starts again for the summer season on 1st July, for those wanting to enjoy an open top ride through the forest.

From 23rd July, First Wessex launch route X50 between Swanage and Wool. It already runs between Wool and Weymouth, so this is a useful extension. Details of times are still to be released. From the same date there are changes to First Solent F1 between Fareham and Highlands and E1/E2 to Gosport.

30th July sees the cancellation of Stagecoach 95 between Winchester and East Stratton, and of First Solent 12 between Tipner and Fratton, both presumably without replacement. From the same date there are changes to Stagecoach 67 between Winchester and Petersfield, as well as Salisbury Reds R10 and PR15.

3rd August sees a change to Southern Vectis 7 between Newport and Alum Bay.

From 6th August, there are changes to First Solent 7 between Portsmouth and Cowplain.

From 27th August, there are changes to First Solent 2 between The Hard and Paulsgrove.

3rd September sees changes to First Solent routes 7 and 8 through Waterlooville.

Late May Round Up

2023-05-21T21:23:00.000+01:00

Don't forget changes to times, routes and route numbers across More's network in Bournemouth and Poole from Saturday 27th May.

In Portsmouth, First Solent's Southsea Coaster returns for another summer season, running along the seafront, from 28th May until 30th September.

From the same day, First Wessex's Portland Coaster also starts for the summer, running between Weymouth and Portland Bill. Details here.

28th May also sees some seasonal changes on the Isle of Wight with Southern Vectis. Details here.

Sunday 4th June sees timetable and route changes across First Wessex. Route 3 gets a weekday off-peak only reprieve for 3 months and an extension to Southill - use it or lose it! People living on routes 9/9A haven't been using those routes enough and they are about to lose them. Details of all changes here and see First Wessex's summer timetable booklet/pdf here.

Looking ahead to the Summer Solstice, those wishing to travel to Stonehenge for the occasion can use Salisbury Reds' special 333 service.

Late April Round Up

2023-04-23T23:26:00.001+01:00

With First's demise, it's fallen to Bluestar to run this year's link to Marwell Zoo. Route ZOO runs from Eastleigh every weekend, bank holiday and school holiday until 3rd September.

Many changes are coming across More's network from 27th May, including route changes and renumbering as the former Yellow routes are further digested and integrated. Full details here.

First Wessex have new timetables from 4th June. They are yet to be announced by First, although they have been registered. Expect a shiny new summer services leaflet/pdf to be available soon. Sadly, it does look like routes 3, 9 and 9A will be withdrawn from that date.

Late March round up / Bishops Waltham loses direct buses to Southampton and Eastleigh

2023-03-19T22:01:00.000+00:00

Today, Sunday 19th March, sees new timetables on More Breezer 40 and 60 with seasonal frequency increases.

Bus travel within the City of Portsmouth is free on all Sundays in March, with 26th March being your last chance to get a free ride.

From Sunday 2nd April, First Solent 18 has a new timetable and is cut to back to terminate at Southsea Shops, no longer serving South Parade Pier. The 13, 14 and 22 have been reprieved and will continue to run.

On the same day, Stagecoach have a new timetable on the Coastliner 700. Buses from Portsmouth will no longer run beyond Chichester, so if you want to get to Bognor and beyond, you'll need to change buses in Chichester.

A new timetable also from 3rd April on routes 37 Havant-Petersfield and 38X Alton-Cowplain.

Changes are coming to Bluestar's Romsey routes which receive subsidy from Hampshire County Council:

35 Romsey-Braishfield: New reduced timetable from Monday 3rd April. Just one journey a day each way, weekdays only.
36 Romsey-Lockerley: Withdrawn. Runs for the last time on Thursday 30th March. No replacement.
39 Romsey-Nomansland: Withdrawn. Runs for the last time on Friday 31st March. No replacement.

Stagecoach also have some changes from Monday 3rd April:

E1/E2 Winchester-Eastleigh: New timetable and E2 rerouted to run direct via Twyford Road instead of via Boyatt Wood.
49 Hedge End-Bishops Waltham: New service to partially replace the withdrawn Xelabus X9/X10 which run for the last time om Friday 31st March. Passengers for Southampton will need to change in Hedge End to Bluestar 3 or 14. Passengers for Eastleigh will need to change in Botley or Horton Heath to Bluestar 3. There's no weekend service, so if you want to get to or from Bishops Waltham then, you'll need to use Stagecoach 69 and change in Fair Oak for Bluestar 2 to Eastleigh and Southampton.
49h Hedge End-Hamble: New service restoring the severed link between Hamble and Hedge End.

More are having a launch event for this year's Breezer services in Poole Park on Good Friday 7th April.

Stagecoach also have several changes to several of their Winchester routes from Sunday 16th April. Amongst other changes, route 1 is renumbered as route 2, to help avoid confusion with Bluestar 1. Timetables are yet to be released.

Easter service levels:

End of an Era: First's Final Day

2023-02-18T22:43:00.004+00:00

First City Red operates for the final time today, Saturday 18th February. The very final service they operate will be on route 2 from Millbrook, Kendal Avenue Shops at 2333 to the City Centre, terminating at Vincents Walk at 2355 and bringing to an end the history of red buses in Southampton, with a direct corporate lineage back to the very first horse-drawn trams in our city in 1879. Rather appropriately, it will be followed 12 minutes later by a Bluestar 18 running through to Thornhill.

From tomorrow, Bluestar takes over with six new routes, and significantly improved timetables on most of them, including the reintroduction of evening and Sunday services to Merry Oak and Harefield on route 13. Full details of their new network here.

Their very first new First-replacement journey will be on route 19 from Thornhill, Fairfax Court at 0523 on Sunday morning, towards Lordshill.

In other news:

In Bournemouth, Yellow Coaches, part of Xelagroup, ceased operations earlier this week, so routes 18, 33 and 36 have passed back to More.

First Solent have new timetables on routes 7, 9 and 9A from 5th March, including rerouting the 9A via Nobes Avenue.

Xelabus have advised that routes X9 and X10 are due to be withdrawn on 31st March, subject to retendering by Hampshire County Council. We'll let you know as soon as HCC's future arrangements for the routes are clear.

In a similar vein, First Solent have registered the withdrawal of routes 13, 14, 18 and 22 in Portsmouth from 2nd April, pending a retendering process by Portsmouth City Council.

Bluestar First replacement timetables released

2023-01-17T15:48:00.000+00:00

Bluestar have released the timetables for their six new routes that will be replacing First City Red from Sunday 19th February. The 7 also gains some new evening journeys to Sholing.

The last 7 from town to Sholing is currently at 1945 Mon-Sats. New journeys will run at 2045 and 2245.
Bluestar 10 replaces First City Red 9, with only minor changes to times.
Bluestar 13 replaces First City Red 13. The Mon-Sat daytime frequency is doubled to half-hourly, plus evening and Sunday services, axed long ago by First, are introduced.
Bluestar 14 replaces the Eastern half of First City Red 8. Buses will generally start running earlier and run until later in the evening. The current last bus from town to Hedge End is at 1930 Mon-Sats - Bluestar will run an additional journey at 2130.
Bluestar 15 replaces First City Red 6. Minor changes to times include a later last bus on Saturdays, leaving town at 2110, instead of 1950 currently.
Bluestar 19 replaces First City Red 3. Daytime frequencies are reduced from every 10 to 15 minutes weekdays, from every 12 to 20 mins Saturdays, and from every 20 to 30 mins Sundays. Don't forget the route change to serve Maybush Corner instead of Warren Avenue.
Bluestar 20 replaces First City Red 7. The Sunday daytime frequency is reduced from three to two buses an hour. The last bus from town, currently at 2243, will be later at 0005, seven days a week.
There also appear to be some minor changes to existing routes 17 and 18.

Stagecoach 66 has disruption between Winchester and Romsey for the next couple of nights, due to a road closure in Ampfield. The length of the diversion means some journeys are cut, so check this emergency timetable before travelling.

The Blandford Forum to Shaftesbury service, currently South West Coaches X3, transfers to Go Ahead's Damory Coaches from Monday 30th January and is renumbered as route 7. Timetable yet to be confirmed.

First Solent have some timetable changes from Sunday 12th February on routes 20, 21 and 27. The 21 and 27 are reduced to only running off-peak weekday daytimes, with the Saturday service withdrawn. The current last bus on the 20 is cancelled, meaning the last bus will leave Fareham at 1635 weekdays.

Xelabus have announced that their Yellow Coaches subsidiary will withdraw all services in the Bournemouth area, including routes 18, 33 and 36, from Tuesday 14th February, when their temporary contract with BCP Council expires. It is widely expected that More, as the only remaining operator in the area, will pick those routes up, but that is yet to be confirmed.

Xelabus are commemorating First leaving Southampton by running a free vintage bus on some of Citybus's historic routes on First's final day, Saturday 18th February.

First Wessex's seasonal routes in Weymouth start resuming on Wednesday 1st March with Sunseeker 12 to Littlesea. Sunseeker 13 to Waterside starts on Friday 17th March.

Southern Vectis's seasonal Needles Breezer service has been registered to resume on Saturday 4th March.

Sunday 5th March sees changes to First Solent routes 7 and 9/9A. Details to be confirmed.

First Solent will be running the Southsea Coaster 50 tourist service from Sunday 28th May between The Hard and South Parade Pier. Timetable to be confirmed.

Most single fares capped at £2 until end of March

2022-12-29T11:19:00.002+00:00

Most single fares are being capped at £2 between 1st January and 31st March 2023, as part of a government-funded scheme. So far in our region, Go South Coast (trading as Bluestar, More, Salisbury Reds, Southern Vectis, Unilink and Unibus) and Stagecoach have confirmed their participation in the scheme. First have now also confirmed their participation. Xelabus are not taking part. There are exceptions, such as school and college routes, but the scheme means that some pretty long journeys can be made for just £2 each way.

Stagecoach has new timetables on routes 21 and 23 in Portsmouth from 3rd January, with earlier buses on weekdays and later buses on Friday and Saturday nights.

Christmas & New Year service levels:

Bluestar unveil City Red replacement routes

2022-12-14T20:55:00.002+00:00

Bluestar have unveiled the six new routes they will be introducing to replace First City Red, which closes down in February. Timetables are not yet available, but they have given an indication of expected service levels on the new routes, which will launch on 19th February 2023:

Unsurprisingly, there is no replacement for City Red 1 or 2. Bluestar 12 already goes to Calmore, Bluestar 17 to Weston and Bluestar 18 to Millbrook, so everyone on those routes is already covered.

City Red 3 is replaced by Bluestar 19, which will run every 20 minutes weekday daytimes, down from every 10 minutes currently on the 3. There is also a slight route change: Warren Avenue is already served by Bluestar 17, so the 19 will go via Maybush Corner:

City Red 6 to Hamble is replaced more or less like for like by Bluestar 15.

City Red 7 to Townhill Park via Portswood is replaced by Bluestar 20 at about the same frequency.

City Red 8 to Hedge End becomes Bluestar 14 and the recent extension to the General Hospital is cut. Passengers for the General will need to change in the city centre to routes 17 or 19.

City Red 9 to Sholing via Peartree becomes Bluestar 10.

City Red 13 to Harefield via Merry Oak becomes Bluestar 13 and the weekday daytime frequency will double from once to twice an hour.

In other news...

Stagecoach will have Santa driving on many of their routes in and around Winchester in the run up to Christmas. Find out when to catch him on your local route here. He'll even be making it out as far as Eastleigh on the E1/E2, Romsey on the 66 and Fareham on the 69.
Salisbury Reds are running special service 333 to Stonehenge for the Winter Solstice.
Xelabus have a couple of changes from 3rd January. The X4 is being split in two at Eastleigh, with separate service X4A taking over the Velmore section. The X21 Chilworth service is cut from three return journeys each weekday to two.
First Wessex launches new routes 9/9A between Weymouth and Wyke Regis from Monday 9th January 2023.

Christmas & New Year service levels:

NEWSFLASH: First finally pulls the plug on Southampton

2022-11-29T20:47:00.003+00:00

First announced today that they are closing their City Red operation in Southampton. The final day of running will be Saturday 18th February 2023. All of their routes in the city will be withdrawn, with the exception of their Solent Ranger X4 and X5 services, which are run by their Fareham depot, which is unaffected by the move.

Go Ahead's Bluestar, who will have a near monopoly, are already planning a network of replacement routes.

They will no doubt be helped by recent experience in Bournemouth, where Yellow Buses collapsed at the end of August and Go Ahead's More stepped in with 48 hours notice to successfully replace most of Yellow's routes. Bluestar have a bit more notice here, so there should be no gaps in service.

This move by First brings to an end almost 150 years of history, as their current operation is the direct successor of the Southampton Tramways Company, initially running horse-drawn trams from 1879 before coming under council control in 1898 and eventual conversion to electric trams. After the second world war, buses gradually replaced the trams, but the council-owned Southampton City Transport still had a monopoly on most routes within the city boundary. Buses outside of Greater London and Northern Ireland were deregulated in 1986, which meant competition was now allowed. In 1993, what was then known as Southampton CityBus was sold to its employees. They gave in to temptation in 1997, as First swooped in to wave a bunch of tenners under their noses and local ownership of our city's buses came to an end.

Since then, it's been a sad, long and slow decline.

The first major blow was in 2001, when the University of Southampton, unhappy at how First was serving their students and staff, decided to subsidise its own network of routes, which became Unilink. That made many First routes on the Portswood corridor become less and less viable. They were gradually cut back until they were eventually withdrawn (save for the Townhill Park route, which stumbles on), leaving a huge hole in their coverage of the city. When I was growing up in Swaythling in the 90s, First had a bus every 10 minutes to the city centre. Decades of mismanagement saw First eventually abandon Swaythling completely in September 2015.

Here's how First's network looked when this blog first launched back in 2009:

There have been some bizarre cutbacks, with First withdrawing routes, declaring them to be unviable, only for Bluestar to immediately pick them up and find them so viable that they are still running them to this day. Evidence: Bluestar 7 to Sholing and to Lordshill via Oakley Road, literally cobbled together over the years out of routes that First had simply given up on and stopped caring about.

Around this time, First lost interest in those routes that were kept running by council subsidy. Filling major gaps in the commercial network, most of them are now with Xelabus.

Here's their network in summer 2015:

By 2019, this was all that remained:

Much the same as their current network, which runs until 18th February 2023:

The main difference between the last two images is the addition of route 1 to Calmore which is a futile almost exact duplicate of Bluestar 12.

For more details of First's long and inevitable demise in our city, see this blog's previous posts. There's an index in the right-hand panel on the desktop version. We've been going since 2009, so we've managed to document a lot of the damage they've caused.

Looking to the future, Bluestar will now be in charge of the whole commercial bus network in Southampton. Good for the inter-validity of network tickets across the city. Not necessarily so good for the price of those tickets: with the absence of competition, Bluestar can and probably will raise fares significantly. We'll be watching and reporting.

We of course feel sorry for First's workforce, the best of which will almost certainly be picked up by Bluestar, and wish them well for the future. To First's management, who have never truly understood or cared about this city: good riddance.

Christmas Round Up

2022-11-25T22:13:00.001+00:00

Here are links to the Christmas and New Year service levels that have been announced so far:

More as we get them.

In other news, there have been fares rises at More, and First City Red 13 has a minor timetable change from Monday 28th November.

Bluestar xmas / Salisbury Reds fares up

2022-11-09T14:06:00.004+00:00

Bluestar have revealed the level of service they'll be running over Christmas and New Year, including a limited service on Christmas Day, however the special timetables for that day and New Year's Day are yet to be published.

First Solent have published their new timetables with minor changes for routes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 18 and X5 from Sunday 4th December.

Salisbury Reds fares go up on Monday 14th November, plus there are timetable changes on routes 87, 88 and Red5.

The Activ8, jointly operated by Stagecoach and Salisbury Reds, got a new timetable on 23rd October.

Cresta Coaches will take over routes 63 and 240 from Stagecoach from 21st November. The new timetables appear in Hampshire County Council's latest travel guide for Winchester.

Minilink Closes / City Red 9 Reprieve / Sandbanks Ferry Shut for 6 Weeks

2022-10-30T20:30:00.003+00:00

Southampton Minilink has closed down permanently, with both of their remaining services, the 13A City Centre-Harefield and C Eastleigh-Hiltingbury withdrawn. There are now no buses between Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford/Hiltingbury.

First City Red 9 has a reprieve. It was slated to be axed completely from tomorrow, but now the city council will subsidise it for three months. What happens after that is anyone's guess, but it means that from Monday the 9 will still run with a new timetable, albeit via Peartree instead of Merry Oak, which gets the rerouted 13. Other changes on City Red, mentioned in our previous post, also kicked in today.

Xelabus have a minor timetable change to the X4 Velmore-Hedge End from tomorrow, but the new timetable does not currently appear on their website. It does appear on Traveline (screenshots below) and comparing it with the current timetable I can see that:

The 1645 from Hedge End to Velmore will now leave 15 minutes later at 1700 Mon-Sats.
The 1810 from Eastleigh to Hedge End will now leave 10 minutes later at 1820 Mon-Sats and will run direct via Southampton Road, no longer serving Barton Peveril College.

Fares rise on Bluestar from tomorrow, 31st October. Also, their The Key smartcard is to be gradually phased out. It is already the case that the best value tickets are only available via their app.

Fares also rise at Southern Vectis on the Isle of Wight, where The Key is also being wound down. Use their app to get the best value.

Sandbanks Ferry will be closed for up to six weeks from tomorrow, 31st October, meaning changes to More Purbeck Breezer 50, which will be split into two routes for the duration of the closure:

51: Bournemouth to Sandbanks
X50: Bournemouth to Studland via Poole & Swanage, running non-stop from Westbourne to Poole and Poole to Swanage.

South West Coaches X3 between Blandford Forum and Shaftesbury is withdrawn from 30th December.

In Winchester, Stagecoach have announced that they won't be running the 63 Owslebury service or the 240 Alresford-Ropley service after 18th November. They say to check Hampshire County Council's website for details of who will take over those services - it currently has no details of any change, so it's not clear whether anyone will be taking them on.

In Portsmouth, changes are coming from 4th December on First Solent 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 18, and from 8th January on Fareham routes 28/28A.

Minilink & City Red changes / Peartree to be cut off

2022-10-07T20:06:00.002+01:00

Minilink 14 has now been withdrawn, leaving Chartwell Green with First City Red 8. The 13A remains weekends only until 30th October, after which it is still scheduled to become a daily service. The C in Eastleigh will be withdrawn on Friday 25th November.

First City Red have confirmed changes to and new timetables on much of their network from Sunday 30th October. The main changes are:

2A: New route running weekday mornings only from Weston through to the General Hospital.
3: Weekday daytime frequency increased from every 12 to every 10 minutes. Sunday daytime frequency cut from every 15 to every 20 minutes.
7: Weekday daytime frequency reduced from every 12 to every 15 minutes.
8: Extended to the General Hospital using the same route as the 3.
9: Withdrawn. Sholing still has a more direct service to the City Centre on Bluestar 7. Merry Oak gets a rerouted 13.
13: Weekday frequency cut to hourly. Diverted to serve Merry Oak instead of Peartree, leaving Peartree with no public transport.

Their new route map gives confirmation of the 8 mirroring the 3's route between the City Centre and General Hospital, and the changes to the 13 east of the Itchen:

Round up 26th Sep

2022-09-26T00:14:00.003+01:00

Southampton Minilink 14 is withdrawn from 28th October, when the weekend-only 13A will go 7 days a week. Chartwell Green's loss is Harefield's gain.

Minor changes from 16th October on First Solent routes 7, 8, X4, X5, F1 and F2. The F3 is withdrawn.

On 9th November there will be changes to routes 1 and 9/9A. More details as we get them.

First Wessex have some changes from 9th October on routes 3, 4, 8, X51 and X53. the biggest change is the loss of evening and Sunday services on the 4 and 8.

Southern Vectis have released details of minor changes to most of their routes from 2nd October.

Sunday service on Monday / Other changes on the way

2022-09-15T22:49:00.000+01:00

All operators will be running a Sunday service this coming Bank Holiday Monday 19th September, for the Queen's funeral. Go South Coast will also be pausing services across all their brands (Bluestar, More, Salisbury Reds, Southern Vectis, Unilink and Unibus) between 10am and 1pm so that their drivers have a chance to watch the funeral.

Other changes on the way:

First City Red 7 got a new timetable last Sunday to try and address reliability issues, partly caused by roadworks in St Denys.

First City Red 8 extends to the General Hospital from 30th October. We'll find out how often as soon as the timetable is released. On the same day, the 9 is withdrawn, surrendering most of Sholing to Bluestar 7, and there are new timetables on routes 3 and 13, which is rumoured to be dumping Peartree for Merry Oak.

Unilink has new timetables on all routes and a slight route change on the U2B in Glen Eyre from Sunday 25th September.

More introduce changes to many routes from Monday 19th September. Route 11 is withdrawn and replaced by a diverted X6.

First Wessex has new timetables from 18th September on routes 1, 2, 10 and X54. The X52 is withdrawn for the winter. Changes also on the 8, X51 and X53 from 9th October.

First Solent have changes to routes F1, F2, X4, X5, 7 and 8 from 16th October. The F3 is withdrawn.

Southern Vectis have registered changes to most services from 2nd October. Details on those as we get them.

Changes on the way / Stagecoach increase fares / Xelacuts bite

2022-08-27T23:00:00.000+01:00

More fairly minor timetable changes to several routes from Sunday 4th September on:

Bluestar
Salisbury Reds
Xelabus X4, X9, X10 (X4 extends to Velmore, X9 and X10 are to cut to every 2 hours weekdays)

First Solent have a new timetable on routes F1 and F2 from Monday 17th October. They had been slated for the axe but have been saved by a funding reprieve.

Stagecoach fares will rise from Thursday 1st September. The adult Dayrider Gold remains £9.10, Winchester Dayrider rises 20p to £4.90 and the Portsmouth Dayrider goes up 30p to £4.70.

Xelabus X17 runs this Wednesday 31st August for the final time, leaving Bishops Waltham with no bus service towards Petersfield for the first time in decades. The X8 runs for the last time this Sunday, after which Boyatt Wood will now be a bus-free zone on Sundays and bank holidays. The X6/X7 run for the final time on Saturday 3rd September.

From Monday 5th September, Southampton Minilink launch the C between Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford, partly replacing the X6/X7. Velmore is spoilt for choice, also being served by an extension of Xelabus X4. Hiltingbury is left with no bus link to Eastleigh.

First Wessex have registered changes from 9th October on their routes 3, 4, X51, X52 and X53. Not yet clear what they are, but we'll bring you more as we get it.

Changes from 4th Sep / Unilink fares up / Xelabus buy Yellow Coaches

2022-08-21T15:44:00.004+01:00

Timetable changes (generally minor) are on the way from Sunday 4th September on:

In Southampton, Unilink fares went up this Thursday just gone. Full details here. The adult single flat fare is now £2.50 (up 20p) and the Southampton Dayrider, which is also valid on Bluestar is also up 20p to £4.00, although if you buy it on a Bluestar bus or the Bluestar app, it is still currently £3.80.

Over in Bournemouth, things seem to be settling down with More running almost all of the routes abandoned by the collapse of Yellow Buses. The exception is routes 18, 33 and 36, subsidised by BCP Council, which last Monday transferred to Yellow Coaches, which is now a subsidiary of Eastleigh's own Xelabus.

Last Day of Yellow Buses Today / More to Replace Routes from Saturday

2022-08-04T09:19:00.006+01:00

Today, Thursday 4th August 2022, is the last day of Yellow Buses running on the streets of Bournemouth, ending 120 years of history.

There's no mention on Yellow's website yet. Maybe their staff are busy applying for other jobs. The Bournemouth Echo confirms the situation.

Tomorrow, Friday 5th August, will see no service on any Yellow routes.

From Saturday 6th August, More step in with an emergency timetable of replacement routes covering most of the Yellow network.

Here's the Yellow network as it stands on their final day:

... and here are the replacement routes that More will be running from Saturday:

More (no pun intended) as we get it.

Thursday afternoon:

Friday morning:

Saturday afternoon:

Yellow service cuts

2022-08-02T22:11:00.001+01:00

Yellow Buses, in administration, have announced a cut to services across their network.

Withdrawn from tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd August:

6h
727
Buster's New Forest Explorer

Cut to a Saturday service six days a week:

1/1a/1b
2
3x (and what remains of the 3)
4
5/5a
6

Route curtailed:

Buster's Beach Bus, running between Alum Chine and Hengistbury Head only

Normal service continues:

Drivers may be being tempted away by Go Ahead's More offering a staggered £2000 golden hello for experienced drivers signing up with them.

Yellow Buses' future is far from certain. We should hear in the next week and a half whether or not an undisclosed nationally known operator is going to step in to save them from collapse.

Yellow Buses in Administration

2022-07-29T21:01:00.001+01:00

Yellow Buses of Bournemouth have today gone into administration.

https://www.yellowbuses.co.uk/statement

The statement on their website says that negotiations have been under way for some time for a major national operator to buy the business. It is assumed that this is still ongoing and could be completed soon.

Both Go Ahead and First would be obvious candidates, but Go Ahead seems more likely. Bus services are not as commercially viable as they once were, so competition concerns that would have prevented such a purchase a few years ago no longer have the same weight. They would certainly be able to bring the most economies of scale and local knowledge to the Yellow network.

For First, Yellow would fill a geographical gap between their Wessex operation in Weymouth and City Red in Southampton, but is less likely as First have been concentrating on selling loss-making divisions over the last few years and have not made a new acquisition in a long while.

Stagecoach can never be ruled out, but their new private equity owners might have very different priorities compared to their previous management.

National Express, Arriva and Rotala are highly unlikely as they have nothing else in the region with which to support a new acquisition.

Transdev used to own Yellow Buses, which transferred to RATP when Transdev restructured. Transdev is now based in the North, where it is run successfully by Alex Hornby, who is no stranger to our neck of the woods having previously been operations manager of Bluestar. Yellows will be on his radar, but will Transdev's French government owners want to buy it back?

All should become clear in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime Yellow bus services are operating as normal.

Endangered

2022-07-24T21:47:00.000+01:00

Recent rumours of imminent widespread cuts to bus services that are subsidised by Hampshire County Council appear to be true. The Hants Bus Blog has received confirmation from insiders at Xelabus indicating that major cuts are on the way to their public services.

Now they've officially registered the complete withdrawal of the following services:

X8 Eastleigh-Boyatt Wood. This means Boyatt Wood will have no public transport on Sundays and bank holidays from 28th August.
X17 Eastleigh-Petersfield. This ends a historic bus link between Bishops Waltham and Petersfield via the Meon Valley. For decades, the old 52 route ran several times a day all the way from Southampton to Petersfield, before it was severed at Bishops Waltham, with the Southampton end now living on as Xelabus X10. The route east of Bishops Waltham was eventually cut back to the current situation, where it runs just one return journey a week and continues through to Eastleigh. There's nothing left to cut other than the route itself, which will cease on 31st August. Hampshire County Council says it is currently paying a subsidy of £7.88 for each passenger journey on this service.
X6/X7 Eastleigh-Hiltingbury. This is the successor of what was once a high frequency (every 15 minutes) service between Eastleigh, Fryern Hill, Chandlers Ford and Hiltingbury, with occasional attempts to also serve Valley Park. These routes will be withdrawn on 3rd September, leaving Fryern Hill with no buses at all, Hiltingbury with buses only to Winchester (and they are also endangered, see below), and Chandlers Ford with no buses to Eastleigh although it does have an hourly train service. Velmore will apparently be served by an extended X4, but for how long, who can say?

Hampshire County Council have been consulting (quietly - have they already made up their minds?) on other cuts, and the information pack provided as part of that consultation identifies the other subsidised routes in our area that are also endangered. Here are selected lowlights:

Xelabus X15: Eastleigh-Hamble is apparently also to disappear, but this has yet to be officially registered as withdrawn. Bluestar 3 covers most of the route between Eastleigh and Hedge End, but its withdrawal would leave Lowford, Netley and Hamble with no direct public transport link to the rest of Eastleigh Borough.
Stagecoach E1/E2: Eastleigh-Winchester. This route has been passed around all of our region's operators since Bluestar decided it was no longer commercially viable. The E1's route is largely covered by Xelabus X9 and Stagecoach 69, however access to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital would suffer greatly if these routes were to go. You can of course catch a (heavily subsidised) train directly between Eastleigh and Winchester.

First Solent 11: Fareham-Clayhall. Already the timetable, Mon-Sat daytimes between the peaks only, is so restrictive as to make this route only of use to a very narrow section of the population. Expect it to go, leaving several areas of Gosport without bus services:
First Solent 20: Fareham-Wickham. Cutting this would leave Funtley and Knowle without public transport, while Stagecoach 69 continues to serve Wickham.
First Solent 21: Fareham-Hill Head. Cutting this would leave Hill Head and Peel Common inaccessible by bus. It already only runs every 2 hours, 6 daytimes a week.
First Solent 28/28A: Fareham-Whiteley. Cutting this would cut Whiteley off from public transport completely. Each passenger journey currently costs Hampshire County Council £3.83 in subsidies.
First Solent F3: Fareham-Portchester. Currently operates Wednesdays only, for the benefit of serving Dore Avenue in Portchester, which would otherwise have no public transport.
First Solent 27: Rowlands Castle-Emsworth. Axing this would leave New Brighton and Denvilles cut off from public transport. Rowlands Castle would lose all its public buses and be left with just its railway station.

Bluestar 6 Southampton-Lymington. Partly operated commercially, so unlikely to disappear completely for now. Expect a cut in frequency.
More 112 Hythe-Lymington. The timetable has been slashed back so much over the years that this route is no longer much use to anyone, running only a couple of days per week. Expect it to disappear, especially considering that it costs Hampshire's taxpayers £3.58 per passenger journey. End-to-end journeys can still be done via a connection in Totton. Beaulieu can be reached on the New Forest Tour in the summer, but will be cut off for the rest of the year.
More 125 Christchurch-Ringwood. Currently runs three days a week, but costs Hampshire taxpayers £4.79 per passenger journey, so expect it to be withdrawn pronto, cutting off many New Forest villages from public transport.
More 119 Lymington-New Milton. Eye-wateringly high single fares and restrictive operating hours mean it's mainly pass holders using this service, which along with the 191 and 193 services costs the Hampshire taxpayer £4.07 in subsidies each time someone steps aboard. Much of these routes is already covered by More X1 and X2. Withdrawal expected.
Bluestar H1/H2 Hythe local services. Once upon a time this was the high-frequency 36/37 minibus route, but has been gradually cut back over the years. Many areas already served by Bluestar 8 and 9. Currently three days a week, costing the Hampshire taxpayer £6.30 per passenger journey. Expect it to disappear.
Bluestar T3/T4 Totton-Cadnam. Once part of the Totton Link group of services, now a shrivelled rump running just two days a week, costing the Hampshire taxpayer £6.30 per passenger journey. Expect it to disappear, leaving all areas it serves west of the A326, including Cadnam, cut off completely. Cadnam had a daily commuter service to Southampton as recently as 2015.
More X2 Lymington-Bournemouth. Partly operated commercially, so unlikely to disappear completely for now. Expect a cut in frequency.

Bluestar 35 Romsey-Braishfield. Not much scope to cut this back any further without completely cutting it, leaving Braishfield with no public transport.
Bluestar 36 Romsey-Lockerley. Twice weekly shoppers' service costing Hampshire taxpayers £50.25 per passenger journey. It'd be cheaper to send each passenger in their own personal taxi. A dead cert for the chop.
Bluestar 39 Romsey-Nomansland. Thrice weekly shoppers' service, partly funded by Wiltshire but costing Hampshire taxpayers £9.80 per passenger journey. If Wiltshire won't cough up more, it won't last.
Salisbury Reds X7R Southampton-Romsey-Salisbury. The subsidy here is only for the Romsey to Salisbury section and Wiltshire chip in too, bringing the subsidy cost for Hampshire taxpayers down to 43p per passenger journey. Should just about survive. At the very worst, X7R journeys would be replaced with standard X7 not via Romsey.

Stagecoach 46 Winchester-North Baddesley. This used to run frequently all the way into Southampton, but was first cut back to the General Hospital, then to North Baddesley, and the frequency has been slashed to just a few times a day. Costing the taxpayer £10.79 per passenger journey, cuts are inevitable even though some journeys are commercially operated.
Stagecoach 63 Winchester-Owslebury. Only runs two days a week, but still costs Hampshire taxpayers £10.16 per passenger journey. Expect it to be replaced by a taxishare.
Stagecoach 67 Winchester-Petersfield. Partly commercial, but the subsidised journeys cost Hampshire taxpayers £4.09 per passenger journey, so expect them to be cut. Only 4 full return journeys run on weekdays currently.
Stagecoach 95 Winchester-East Stratton. Shoppers' service to Micheldever 2 days a week. Costs the Hampshire taxpayer £10.02 per passenger journey. Expect it to be withdrawn and possibly replaced by extending the existing taxishare service.

Brace for cuts

2022-07-17T18:13:00.001+01:00

The latest post from the Lancaster District Bus User's Group describes how services are being temporarily cut up there by Stagecoach, possibly to cover Stagecoach's contract to provide special bus services at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. If their theory is true, then Stagecoach would need to be drafting in buses and drivers from all over the country, not just Lancaster. Lo and behold...

Conveniently timed to coincide with the Brummie Games, Stagecoach services in Winchester are slashed for the summer holidays. See all of their new timetables from 24th July here, but the main points that stand out are :

the 5 to Badger Farm having a daytime frequency of 20 mins every day of the week (currently every 15 mins on weekday daytimes), and
the 66 to Romsey reverting to just one route at the Romsey end, with all buses running via Abbotswood and Woodley. Cupernham and the Straight Mile lose their 66 journeys.

A bit of good news: Bluestar are running the South Downs Rambler again this year. It runs on summer Sundays between Winchester and Petersfield.

There's some kind of change on First City Red 8 from 8th September, the details of which are as yet unknown. This autumn however sees a major funding cut from central government. They had stepped in to keep bus companies afloat during the lockdowns, and that scheme has already been extended but is due to end in October. Meanwhile, passenger numbers on most routes are still nowhere near pre-covid levels, so something has to give. Expect cuts to many services this autumn.

Talking of which, the following comment to our last post hints at catastrophic cuts to come at Xelabus, who rely on Hampshire County Council funding to run most of their services:

The above are not yet confirmed, but if true would be particularly bad for Hiltingbury, which would lose its bus link to Eastleigh and be left with just a few buses a day to Winchester. This in an area which in the late 1990s had frequent direct buses to Southampton as well as Eastleigh and Winchester. More as we get it.

Good news for open top bus fans in Portsmouth. First Solent are running new open top route 50 between The Hard and South Parade Pier every day from Saturday 23rd July to Wednesday 31st August. As it's a tourist route however, normal First tickets and elderly/disabled concessionary passes are not valid.

Over in Bournemouth, More recently extended their M1 service to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Yellow Buses are responding by virtually withdrawing their competing route 3 from Sunday 24th July, focusing instead on their more direct 3x service which runs via Wessex Way and Richmond Park Road direct to Charminster. The 3 via Castlepoint will only have a couple of journeys remaining at peak times, giving More M1 a virtual monopoly on the northern part of Charminster Road. Yellows will still serve Castlepoint on routes 2, 4 and 6h, as their network map shows:

To end on a bit of good news, our sister blog, Great British Bus Routes, has completely updated their page on More Purbeck Breezer 50 between Bournemouth and Swanage, which had originally been written in 2014. Take a look for some bang up-to-date day out ideas on our region's undisputed most scenic bus route!

Summer Solstice, New Forest Tour & Eclipse Boost

2022-06-20T21:20:00.000+01:00

If you're travelling to Stonehenge for the summer solstice tonight, then Salisbury Reds have a special service 333 running from Salisbury and Amesbury.

Go Ahead's New Forest Tour starts its summer season on Saturday 25th June. There are three circular routes to choose from and don't forget there are through fares from across the Bluestar, More and Salisbury Reds networks plus on the Hythe Ferry!

First Solent are increasing the frequency of their Eclipse E1/E2 services between Fareham and Gosport from 10th July.

Jubilee Holiday Services

2022-05-24T12:33:00.003+01:00

Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd June are bank holidays for the Queen's platinum jubilee. On those days, all operators except for Go Ahead will be running a Sunday service. Click these links to see what Go Ahead will be doing, including a Saturday service on most of their routes in Southampton and Bournemouth:

Other changes coming up:

Bluestar 3 has a new timetable and route change in Boorley Park from Sunday 29th May

Unilink have restarted their U1N night service on Friday and Saturday nights, ending it's pandemic hiatus.

First Wessex launch their summer timetables on Sunday 29th May, including a snazzy new pdf timetable booklet.

More have many route and timetable changes from Saturday 28th May. The M1 is extended from Castlepoint to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. The 3 and 4 are rationalised and the 8/9 into Poole via Upton have their frequencies cut. The usual summer routes also crank up for the peak tourist season.

Southern Vectis start their summer timetable from Sunday 29th May.