Bus company pulls out of Southampton
A drop in passenger numbers is being blamed
Last updated 29th Nov 2022
First Bus has announced its intention to close its bus depot in Southampton and withdraw all of its City Red services in the area with effect from 19 February 2023.
Operations from First South’s depot in Southampton have not been sustainable for some considerable time, and this was only made worse by the impact of the pandemic.
Despite working hard to turn the business around and the introduction of wide-ranging transformation plans including measures to attract more customers, there simply remains insufficient demand for the number of buses operating in the city’s competitive market.
Engaging with our people and supporting them through this process is an absolute priority for everyone at First Bus. Wherever possible we will identify opportunities to transfer our people to alternative employment within the business including our two depots in the Solent area.
The First Bus South team are currently engaging with the Southampton City Council on ensuring a smooth transition period as we exit from operating in the city.
Simon Goff, Managing Director for First South said:
“We are extremely disappointed to have to take this decision to close our Southampton depot and withdraw all services from the city.
“The proposals to close the depot should not in any way detract from the commitment of our colleagues in Southampton, who have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible service to the local community against the backdrop one of the most challenging situations ever to face the transport industry.
“This isn’t a process that we have entered into lightly. Lower customer numbers post-covid, rising costs, changes in travel patterns and insufficient demand for the number of buses operating in the city’s competitive market have all added extra pressure. This has led to this difficult decision being taken and meant the business is simply no longer sustainable.
“We will continue to operate our services as usual until 19 February, working closely with our local stakeholders to demonstrate our commitment to continue delivering for our customers for the remainder of our time in service to the Southampton community.”
Bluestar is stepping in to run additional services across Southampton, following news that fellow bus operator First Bus has decided to withdraw from the area, from Sunday 19 February.
“We understand that local people and visitors may be worried that bus travel across the region will be impacted by this decision - but they need not be concerned,” said Andrew Wickham, Bluestar managing director.
“I can reassure them that Bluestar is ready to step in, to ensure bus users can still get to where they need to go. From 19 February 2023, the city and its surrounding area will be covered by a very similar level of services - albeit with different coloured buses running the routes.
“We will be working hard over the coming months to plan the new services.”
Bluestar’s parent company, Go South Coast, is no stranger to saving the day when services have been withdrawn by fellow operators. Earlier this year, another of its companies, Morebus, worked tirelessly to ensure people in Bournemouth and Poole continued to enjoy comprehensive bus services - following the collapse of Bournemouth Transport Ltd (Yellow Buses).
“With little more then 48 hours’ notice, our team at Morebus recruited more than 100 new staff, and implemented a raft of new services in-and-around Bournemouth and Poole. Despite its speedy introduction, the new operation got off to a fantastic start - and continues to run smoothly across the region.
“On this occasion, we have a little more time, and are already planning the new routes and timetables. We will announce these as soon as they are complete.
“We are very proud to be helping to keep our communities running. And we look forward to welcoming new colleagues and customers on board, as we aim to transform Southampton bus services for the better over the coming months and years.”