I’m really pleased that we’re getting brand new and extended bus routes that will bring much-needed improved connections between parts of the east of the city, the city centre, and Southampton General Hospital .
I’m delighted that hardworking councillors and Bluestar have listened to feedback and worked hard to deliver these very welcome changes. From Sunday 30 August, passengers will benefit from:
- A new number 6 bus service that will provide improved connections between areas in the east of the city – particularly Townhill Park, Bitterne and Woolston – and the city centre. I’m particularly pleased that this new route will significantly improve bus frequencies for Peartree Avenue and north-south connectivity between Townhill Park and Bitterne and Woolston.
- An extended number 16 bus service that will significantly improve direct connection between the east of the city and Southampton General Hospital. The route, which takes in Townhill Park and Bitterne, will be extended to include Northam, the city centre, Southampton Central Railway Station, Hill Lane, St James’ Road and Southampton General Hospital.
- A new number 26 service, funded by Hampshire County Council, will run hourly on Monday to Saturday and two hourly on Sunday between Whiteley shops, North Whiteley, Botley, Hedge End Village Centre, Bitterne and the city centre.
You’ve told me at my coffee mornings and on doorsteps about the difference that reliable, frequent and easy-to-use bus services make a real difference to people’s everyday lives. That’s why I’ve been speaking to the council and Bluestar about where you want to see improvements. Needless to say, I’m really pleased that they’re bringing in these improvements and I am sure that will be welcomed by many of you across the east of the city.
And I must give credit to the Labour government too. Quite simply, this is what happens when national government properly funds local transport. Remember that in 2024, this government announced more than £4.5m investment in Southampton to improve bus services – a significant increase from previous years.
You can see the timetables for the new and extended services on Bluestar’s website.
While I’m on the subject of buses, don’t forget that the government is funding free bus travel throughout August for children aged 5-15. And from January, the cap on the price of single buss fares will be brought down to £2.
All in all, good news for bus users!