As the operator of the New Forest Tour, we at Bluestar are already hugely pleased with the overwhelming success of the service this year. The 2008 season was launched alongside our partner organisations comprising of the New Forest National Park Authority, Hampshire County and New Forest District Councils in May, and already passenger numbers have already more than doubled last year’s figures.

Bluestar dedicates two of our modern and easy access open-top buses on the daily tours which provide a descriptive commentary of the scenic views of the UK’s newest national park between Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Lymington and Beaulieu. Our Operations Manager, Alex Hornby, was keen to pay tribute to the team, who has worked hard to make the Tour a success.

“The Tour is now in its fifth year, and many of us have worked hard to make this year our best yet”, he commented. “Thanks to the efforts of everyone at Bluestar, not least the friendly and dedicated driving team of John, Bobby and Dennis who deliver the service between them 7 days a week, we are really pleased to see our work rewarded by this fantastic news.”

Alex also believes that additional marketing activity and increased awareness have been important in boosting passenger numbers, and the sustainable nature of the product in the conservation area.
 
“The ability to purchase tickets on line and the inclusion of the New Forest guide book within the price has encouraged not only ‘stay-on’ passengers but also walkers who enjoy the convenience of the regular tours. Furthermore, with society’s determined efforts to reduce the carbon footprint, the Tour acts as an ultra-sustainable form of transport, with each bus can also able to carry four cycles for those who wish to use pedal power across the Forest, as well as feeding into bus and rail connections at Lymington and Brockenhurst. It really does help to reduce car use and congestion across this beautiful National Park.”
 
The New Forest Tour operates daily until Sunday 31 August.  For additional information click here.