First have released full details, including timetables, of their new Southampton network - replacing all of their existing routes as of 29th April.
Here you can find a summary and links to the pdf timetables, which include a road-by-road description of each new route.
There are too many changes for me to go into any detail now (about to head off to catch a flight!), but do take a look and see how you will be affected.
Over the next few days we'll publish analysis galore!
All in the detail looks pretty impressive to me - better Sunday frequencies and the restoration of cross city services are two of the highlights.
ReplyDeleteAnd residents of Turnpike Way, Upper and Lower Northam Roads and Grange Park in Hedge End have a new service of 4 buses an hour to Southampton, as a cheaper alternative to the hourly BlueStar 3.
The Echo quote that 26 new drivers are needed to run this new network; it certainly looks as if First see long term potential in Southampton.
Is the new 8 going to run from the superstores via Turnpike way and Upper Northam Road all day rather than via Wildern Lane as per the off-peak BS3 as it isnt clear from the timetables they have published?
ReplyDeleteThere is a full route description on the last page of each service - so yes the 8 is running via Turnpike Way and Upper Northam Road, thereby avoiding too much direct competition with BlueStar 3
DeleteOsborne road in Warsash loses it's buses as does Linden Lea in Portchester - both on the 57. New x4,4,4A doesn't serve the roads!
ReplyDeleteNew x4 reminds me a bit of the old X16 & X71 although they went via Bitterne.
But on the plus side Warsash has double the number of buses to Southampton and a vastly improved Sunday service.
DeleteLinden Lea may loose its bus but the main A27 gains a bus and the good people of Fareham and Portchester get a fast all day service to Portsmouth instead of enduring the scenic delights of Paulsgrove.
There is always going to be winners and losers and it's easy to point out the losers but it looks like the vast majority will be winners with this change.
No Sunday buses to Burgoyne rd as the Sunday 2A will go to Fairfax
ReplyDeleteThatss a slightly misleading statement as Bluestar will still run to Burgoyne Rd on Sundays
DeleteNot misleading as this article is regarding changes to FIRST buses & not BLUESTAR.
DeleteIt read as if there were no buses at all, but anyway let's not fall out about it Mr Anonymous. Bursledon Rd isn't far away with a bus every 30mins on a Sunday on the new 9 old 11.
DeleteThe 11's go to Orpen Rd not quite Burgoyne Rd but not too far
ReplyDeleteIt is if you find it difficult to walk without being in chronic pain. Currently I have a First bus virtually outside my front door. When the changes come I will have to travel BLUESTAR only on a Sunday. And it's Miss Anonymous! But still, let's not fall out!
ReplyDelete