Back to the future with Bluestar 1

Visitors to Southampton and Winchester city centres took time away from their Christmas Shopping on Saturday November 15 to watch our procession of buses representing the past, present and future of bus operations in Hampshire – and particularly on Bluestar 1, which is to receive seven new buses in early 2009.

The six buses spanning 6 decades, arranged through Bluestar’s friends at Hampshire County Council, the Friends of King Alfred Buses and private vehicle owners included the newest addition to the Bluestar fleet, a Scania OmniCity double deck bus.

The procession was one of the first opportunities for everyone to view and ride the new double decker in the Bluestar livery.  The new buses, each worth £160,000 will offer greater comfort with more leg room and even leather headrests, also fully accessible low floor, ramp access and floor area for wheelchair users and baby buggies.  CCTV is also installed as a standard security feature. The double deckers can seat 76 people and carry an additional 10 standing passengers. Engines meet the latest Euro 4 emissions directive.

The parade gathered at Mayflower Park at 1200 noon and were greeted away by around 50 people, as we celebrated Bluestar 1’s heritage as an important transport link between Southampton and Winchester when it was known as the “47”.

Line up buses
People of all ages couldn’t resist a close-up view of all the buses and our new double decker in particular! The line-up is seen here before departure from Mayflower Park. (photo courtesy of Mark Lyons)

Joining the new Scania bus from Southampton’s Mayflower Park to Winchester city centre and St Catherine’s Park & Ride site were a Hants & Dorset Bristol FLF from the 1966, a 1964 King Alfred green liveried AEC Renown, a 1978 Hants & Dorset Bristol VRT in poppy red NBC livery, and a 1974 Bristol VRT which started life on the Isle of Wight and joined the Solent Blue Line company at its inception.

convoy of buses
The buses travel through Compton in convoy, being led by King Alfred’s “little Dennis”, of 1930s vintage, into Winchester (photo courtesy of Peter Murnaghan)

Drivers also got into the spirit of the occasion by dressing in period uniform, representing the bus of each particular era.

drivers in period uniform next to buses
The drivers – and conductors and conductresses - stand by their respective buses at St Catherine’s Park & Ride in Winchester (photo courtesy of Peter Murnaghan)

We’re really grateful to the Friends of King Alfred Buses and each of the vehicle owners – David Sheppard, Chris Mills, Steve Hursthouse, Nigel Harris, Richard Newman for their support and creating a day to remember.