First have registered that the S1 will cease running from 13th October. Not sure of the reasons why, but as it's a tendered route, Southampton City Council might have something to do with it. It's also unclear whether it will continue with another operator, be replaced by another route or will leave people in Lordswood, Regents Park and Bedford Place stranded. We'll let you know as soon as we do.
Look out for diversions in Swaythling this Wednesday and Thursday affecting Bluestar 2, Unilink U1 and U6 and First 5 (yet no mention of this from First). Plus diversions to Bluestar E2 in Otterbourne from Wednesday until next Monday.
Velvet are taking over the service from that date.
ReplyDeleteThe June timetable book shows all S1 journeys operating the same way. But if you go to the First H & D website, click on timetables and enter S1, the timetable displayed shows the last journey ex Lordshill as operating from Foys Corner to City via Central Station instead of Bedford Place. Can anyone confirm which is correct?
ReplyDeleteBoth the present First S1 and Velvet S2 will cease after operation on October 12, but from October 14 they will be replaced by two new routes (also numbered S1 and S2) both to be operated by Velvet. The new S1 will incorporate the Lordshill end of the present S1 and much of the present S2 whilst the new S2 will replace the City - Freemantle - Shirley section of the current S1. The new timetables are now on the Velvet website - go to news section. The new S2 is pretty much the same as the S2 which operated prior to June 30 but, like the present First S1, it will use Archers Road and Bedford Place rather than going via Springhill School.
ReplyDeleteThe present S1 timetable seems to be unworkable with buses often running 20 or more minutes late by early afternoon. With luck the new routes will be more reliable.