Bluestar takes on First employees

Go Ahead-Group-owned Bluestar is taking on employees affected by First’s upcoming departure from Southampton.

First is due to withdraw its CityRed services in Southampton from 19 February 2023.

Bluestar has been hosting recruitment days for drivers affected by First’s decision, with the operator saying the events have exceeded all expectations.

“More than 140 new employees have signed up to work with us when we expand our operation in February” – Bluestar managing director, Andrew Wickham

“We’re delighted by the response we’ve seen from drivers who wish to join the Bluestar team from 19 February,” said Bluestar managing director, Andrew Wickham.

“More than 140 new employees have signed up to work with us when we expand our operation in February. And, with drivers and buses in place, we are ready to take to the roads of Southampton in areas that would otherwise have no service.”

Bluestar is to operate six new routes in the region from 19 February and is to run the Bluestar 19 between Lordshill and Thornhill every 15 minutes on weekdays, rather than every 20 minutes.

First Bus drivers, cleaners and engineers who have not already done so are still encouraged to apply for roles at Bluestar.