Xelabus will run the X4 (Eastleigh-Hedge End) and X4A (Eastleigh-Velmore) for the final time on Saturday 29th July. After that, they transfer in some form to Bluestar in the form of routes 23 to Velmore and 24 to Hedge End. Hampshire County Council seem to have some involvement, which could mean cuts to the current frequencies. Also, the choice of route numbers mean Bluestar could already have plans for new routes numbered 21 and 22 - more on that as we get it.
Go South Coast (Bluestar, More, Salisbury Reds, Southern Vectis) are dropping their The Key smartcard from 31st July, so if you still use it, plan your alternative.
With First now gone from Southampton, Bluestar increased the cost of the Southampton City zone tickets from 5th June. Dayrider rises from £3.50 to £3.80 and the Weekly ticket rises from £10 to £12. Despite the name, these tickets are not valid throughout the city, only on routes which used to compete with First - full details here.
While we're on the subject of fares, since the start of the year, the government has been subsidising most single bus fares, which are capped at £2. The scheme was initially planned to run to the end of March and was then extended to the end of June. The government have said they're extending it to the end of October, but not all of our local operators have confirmed that they will continue to participate beyond the end of June. Stagecoach are carrying on to October, but First and Go Ahead have not yet confirmed - their websites mention the scheme as ending on 30th June, so be prepared for full price singles to return.
Stagecoach changed some of their ticket prices from last Sunday 18th June. The all zones South Gold Dayrider has been reduced to £8 for an adult. Other local tickets have new prices - see the full details here.
Unibus in Bournemouth are launching a new route, the U5, in October between Lansdowne and Talbot Campus. It will run on Wednesdays only and won't accept cash - only 10 trip tickets purchased via their app, although Unibus annual tickets will also be accepted. The exact route and timetable are still to be revealed.
The New Forest Tour starts again for the summer season on 1st July, for those wanting to enjoy an open top ride through the forest.
From 23rd July, First Wessex launch route X50 between Swanage and Wool. It already runs between Wool and Weymouth, so this is a useful extension. Details of times are still to be released. From the same date there are changes to First Solent F1 between Fareham and Highlands and E1/E2 to Gosport.
30th July sees the cancellation of Stagecoach 95 between Winchester and East Stratton, and of First Solent 12 between Tipner and Fratton, both presumably without replacement. From the same date there are changes to Stagecoach 67 between Winchester and Petersfield, as well as Salisbury Reds R10 and PR15.
3rd August sees a change to Southern Vectis 7 between Newport and Alum Bay.
From 6th August, there are changes to First Solent 7 between Portsmouth and Cowplain.
From 27th August, there are changes to First Solent 2 between The Hard and Paulsgrove.
3rd September sees changes to First Solent routes 7 and 8 through Waterlooville.
