We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate astounding growth levels in passenger numbers on our popular Bluestar 18 service, which crosses Southampton city centre linking Thornhill and Millbrook via Shirley and Bitterne.

Passenger growth levels now stand at 19%, year-on-year, which is surely unprecedented on an urban, competitive bus route in the UK.

All of us at Bluestar really believe that whilst the introduction of the every 10 minute daytime service - with night buses on Friday and Saturday night, using branded easy access buses observing a standard, simple line of route has gone down well, the people who deliver the service have been a crucial ingredient in the route’s success.

There is a regular set of drivers operating this route, and so it was only appropriate that two “regulars” in particular, who are very popular amongst the growing passenger base, toasted the service’s success.

“The changes have certainly proved popular and not just to the free concessionary pass holders, as 23% of the new passengers are full fare paying,” said Bluestar’s Operations Manager Alex Hornby. “We’re so proud of the team for their key part in achieving another Bluestar success story”.

Jane Jones and Lorraine Kabashi, two of the regular drivers on the 18 service, agree that they have seen more new faces amongst their regular passengers.  Jane, who has been a driver on the route for 10 years, said that the buses that have room for buggies have made travelling for young families much easier, and that the easy access, low floor step height makes the journey much easier for the infirm.