Bluestar replaces First in Southampton
Go-Ahead-owned Bluestar has stepped in to provide bus services to Southampton as First pulls out of the city.
Representatives from Bluestar were joined today by The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Jacqui Rayment, as well as the leader of Southampton City Council, Cllr Satvir Kaur and local residents at a special launch event in the city.
Bluestar’s six new services began operation this week, and early indications show they have been well-received. Residents in the Harefield area of Southampton organised a surprise for Go-Ahead Group owned Bluestar representatives this week. In celebration of the local bus operator’s launch of new routes, the residents have decorated bus stops across the area in celebration of the new routes. Bluestar’s general manager, Richard Tyldsley, and his team have been working closely with representatives of the Harefield Bus Campaign Group since First’s withdrawal announcement.
“With more than 140 new drivers recruited in just two months, we are pleased to be expanding our offering here” – Andrew Wickham, Bluestar Managing Director
Andrew Wickham, Bluestar Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the launch of these six routes – and can promise those living in and visiting Southampton that they can now look forward to an exciting new era in bus services here.
“With more than 140 new drivers recruited in just two months, we are pleased to be expanding our offering here – and I am in awe of this incredible operation by my team, to ensure our local community in all corners of the city is able to keep moving.
“I’m very encouraged by the reaction we are seeing from our new customers who are already travelling with us on these new routes.
“I’d like to thank the entire team at Bluestar – including our new colleagues – who have worked incredibly hard to ensure such a smooth and efficient transition.”