Ringwood cut off / Xmas plans

It looks like Dorset Sprinter X5 (City Centre-Ringwood) will cease running after 31st December. It is not yet clear whether there will be any replacement, but we'd suggest that one is unlikely. It's obviously not making money as a commercial service and the county council are looking to cut their transport subsidies. Soon, the only way to get to Ringwood without a car could well be either National Express or by getting a train to Bournemouth and then a bus from there.

Bluestar and Unilink have revealed their xmas plans. I'll compile details from them and all other bus companies as I get them, in the panel on the right.

Above Bar diversions / Velvet Christmas

The top bit of Above Bar Street will be closed in both directions between Civic Centre Road and Cumberland Place this Friday and Saturday evenings after 1800, so all buses that use that section will be diverted. First explain their plans for Portswood and Shirley-bound services here.

Velvet have made their Christmas and New Year plans already. Highlights are a Saturday service on Bank Holiday Tuesday 28th December and a Sunday service on New Year's Day 1st January.

First 17 to Adanac / Free buses in Eastleigh

From 14th November, First 17 (City Centre-Lordshill) will divert to serve the Ordnance Survey's new offices at Adanac Park. There seems to be some confusion over whether the diverted journeys will be numbered 17 or 17B. First's website has timetables featuring both versions.

Eastleigh gets some free shoppers' buses from 22nd November. They will run on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays until 31st December only and offer three routes with an hourly service between 0900 and 1600:
X1 Tesco Eastleigh-Bus Station-Bishopstoke
X2 Tesco Eastleigh-Bus Station-Allbrook-Boyatt Wood
X3 Tesco Eastleigh-Bus Station-North Stoneham
The exact routes to be taken aren't detailed, so there's an element of mystery as to which roads will actually be served.