Bluestar steps in following news that First Bus is to leave Southampton

We will be stepping in to run additional services across Southampton, following news that fellow bus operator First Bus has decided to withdraw from the area, from Sunday 19 February.

"We understand that local people and visitors may be worried that bus travel across the region will be impacted by this decision - but they need not be concerned,” said Andrew Wickham, Bluestar managing director. 

“I can reassure them that Bluestar is ready to step in, to ensure bus users can still get to where they need to go. From 19 February 2023, the city and its surrounding area will be covered by a very similar level of services - albeit with different coloured buses running the routes.

We will be working hard over the coming months to plan the new services.”

Bluestar’s parent company, Go South Coast, is no stranger to saving the day when services have been withdrawn by fellow operators. Earlier this year, another of its companies, Morebus, worked tirelessly to ensure people in Bournemouth and Poole continued to enjoy comprehensive bus services - following the collapse of Bournemouth Transport Ltd (Yellow Buses).

“With little more then 48 hours’ notice, our team at Morebus recruited more than 100 new staff, and implemented a raft of new services in-and-around Bournemouth and Poole. Despite its speedy introduction, the new operation got off to a fantastic start - and continues to run smoothly across the region.

“On this occasion, we have a little more time, and are already planning the new routes and timetables. We will announce these as soon as they are complete. 

“We are very proud to be helping to keep our communities running. And we look forward to welcoming new colleagues and customers on board, as we aim to transform Southampton bus services for the better over the coming months and years.”