It's a doctored version of Hampshire County Council's Hedge End map, so routes wholly within the City are not shown for the sake of clarity. As you can see, Velvet A, which will run twice an hour, has the edge as being the most direct and therefore quickest route. Bluestar 3 is slowed down by its recently introduced excursion through Peartree and Woolston, plus it only runs once an hour outside the rush hour anyway. First 8/8A have a combined Mon-Sat daytime frequency of 4 an hour (2 each way around the Hedge End loop) but by far the most indirect route, via West End and Chartwell Green, just off the map.
Here are links to the timetables:
Velvet A
Bluestar 3
First 8/8A/8B
What about the fares?
Velvet: Single £3.50, return £5, day £6
Bluestar: Single £3.70, return £5.90, day £6.50
First: Single £???, return £???, day £4
The only ticket valid on all of them is the Solent Travelcard at £7.50 for a day.
It might not be too long before Bluestar 3 reverts to its old route through Northam.
Doesn't it actually start Sunday? (2nd December)
ReplyDeleteYou're right. I had got a bit confused by a post on their Facebook page and the bit on their timetable that mention Monday. They have confirmed however that the service has started today.
ReplyDeleteThe Peartree/Woolston routeing isn't the only thing that makes Bluestar 3 slower - it also diverts to call at Hedge End Superstores. Even if Bluestar takes the Northam route, Velvet should still have the edge on journey time, by about 5 minutes.
ReplyDeleteBut is it really about speed? Surely its about going where the market is? The superstores stop was doing a roaring trade when I travelled on a packed Bluestar route 3 on Saturday. Did a good trade at Boorley Green too, much to my surprise!
Deletewatch this space if xelabus gets the shopper bus that be a laugh ..... watch this space .....
ReplyDeleteIs there any doubt that Xelabus would get the shopper bus? They get every other one, as if by magic! But what shopper bus are you talking about? And what has that got to do with services to Hedge End, as being discussed here?
DeleteIf you think you know it all you would know that Hedge End superstores have had a free bus for a long time and First run it. Talking to Xelabus somewhile ago they are looking to tender for the service when it comes up in March - they say its not part of PB.
ReplyDeleteI certainly dont think I know it all, as if I did, I would not be asking questions. Your tone is not usual for this type of forum, and I would politely request moderation. Your first post was easily misunderstood. What is PB please?
DeleteIt annoys me that people like you seem to know it all about bus operation unless of course you are an operator? I know some of the people at Xela and considering they have only been trading for 2 years they are doing well it seems. Velvet seem content with their network and First and Bluestar are left to battle it out. Perhaps shut down this web site might be more appropriate as all you people seem to do is winge and criticise what these operators are doing in hard times. So politely request you too moderate your comments!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, you really seem to have a problem. I am unsure how I could moderate my comments, as they are not in any way inflammatory? Surely if you dont like the comments here, all you have to do is NOT read them? I thought the idea of any forum was for people to say what they think? Before you go though, perhaps you could please tell me what PB is?
DeleteI don't have a problem just trying to make you realise that bus operator's are doing their best to run buses in difficult times. You seem to insult Xela as above in messages and that is unfair. As I have said I have nothing to do with bus companies but if I did I would feel very insulted by you and your crowd.
ReplyDeleteI really am struggling to see your point.I am not one of a crowd. I am an individual. I have never implied that bus operators are failing to do their best in difficult times. Many of the major operators seem to be declaring profits of around 10%, which other industries would love to do, so its not that difficult a time! All I said was that Xelabus seem to get more than their fair share of shopper bus contracts, and I just wonder how that can be the case? I am very sorry if my opinions offend you, but please stop generalising about "people like me", as you are sounding like "one of those people" who blame the council and the government for just about everything!
ReplyDeleteI can only give my opinion on how you talk about operators. If you are really wishing to make a general comment about an operator be more sympathetic rather than cutting comments. Enough said. I do know that some officials within the bus industry and the local authorities look upon this site as a joke and also feel that more damage can be done by operators taking your sarcasm seriously.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous v Anonymous - lol. Surely anonymous comments are exactly for people to say what they think. Most people seem to give reasons for their critiscism. I doubt if the large operators read it and the small ones are posting for themselves.
DeleteA single ticket on Firstbus is £3.65 and return is £ 5.70 but you can get a the day rider for £4
ReplyDeleteNot sure what fare is being referred to. First bus literature gives their Soton Network day rider as £4 and this includes all buses in the area except the Waterside where there is a £5 day rider until the end of the year
DeleteThere is also an inner (my phrase) Soton area day rider for £3.20 but this does not include for example Hedge End or Lordshill
If you read the blog................
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