Saturday 7 February was certainly an important day – and night – in Bluestar’s short history.
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Firstly, Bluestar made its presence felt in Southampton and Winchester city centres on Saturday 7 February, as the wraps were lifted off seven brand new buses which made the debut on Bluestar 1 - which connects the two cities - the following Monday.
The Bluestar team celebrate the arrival of the new buses in Winchester city centre.
The buses certainly turned heads in the busy city centres, and many people took time out from their shopping to take a look around the new buses and the verdict was unanimous – the vehicle livery was striking and the interiors smart and comfortable, and would make people think twice about hopping in the car now that there was a viable alternative.
The Bluestar team were also on hand to offer travel tips, timetables, free day passes to try out the new buses, Bluestar goodies and to celebrate with a Bluestar cake and a bottle of champagne. Around 1000 timetables were distributed to many interested customers, many of whom said that they had not used the bus in many years and were surprised at how standards had risen.
The new buses will offer greater comfort with more leg room and even leather headrests, as well as a flat entrance allowing easy access for wheelchair users and baby buggies. CCTV is also installed as a standard security feature. The double deckers, manufactured by Scania in Poland, can seat 76 people and carry an additional 10 standing passengers. Engines meet the latest Euro 4 emissions directive, and a smart tracker is fitted to promote efficient and environmentally friendly driving.
The smart blue and chrome-effect livery, with striking starbursts across the sides of the vehicle, was conceived by London-based designers Best Impressions, who also were involved in the colour scheme and interior layout. Needless to day we are thrilled with the result and even more happy that our customers agree!
Our Operations Manager Alex Hornby is pleased with the new buses and the reception received from the people of Winchester and Southampton. “The response we received on the day from our current customers and non users on Saturday was phenomenal, and so we are ambitious that these amazing new vehicles will continue to grow the market for local bus travel.”
Since the Go-Ahead Group acquired the Eastleigh based bus operator in July 2005, over £6 million has been invested in new vehicles.