New Bluestar 26 bus service attracts nearly 500 passengers a day in Hampshire

A new bus service connecting Whiteley and Southampton is already proving popular, with nearly 500 passenger journeys being made every day just two months after its launch.

The Bluestar 26 route, which began operating on 30 August, provides a direct connection between Whiteley Shopping Centre, North Whiteley, Botley, Hedge End village centre and Southampton city centre.

Figures released by Hampshire County Council show passenger numbers have increased every week since the service was introduced.

Around 160 daily journeys are now being made to and from Whiteley and North Whiteley alone, highlighting growing demand for public transport in the area.

Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Passenger Transport, recently met Bluestar General Manager Richard Tyldesley in Whiteley to review the route's early success.

Councillor Forster said: "It's extremely encouraging to see passenger numbers growing so strongly on the Bluestar 26 in its first full month of operation.

"This service improves bus connectivity for the growing community of North Whiteley, offering a convenient, affordable, and more sustainable way to travel to employment, education, shopping and leisure destinations across the area."

He added that the long-term aim is for the route to become a fully commercial service as passenger numbers continue to increase.

Richard Tyldesley, General Manager of Bluestar, welcomed the positive response from passengers.

He said: "We're delighted with the response to Bluestar 26 so far. Passenger numbers have grown steadily each week since launch, which is a fantastic achievement for a brand-new route, and we're looking forward to welcoming even more customers on board in the months ahead."

The Bluestar 26 operates hourly from Monday to Saturday between 6am and 9.30pm, with buses running every two hours on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 9am and 6pm.

When combined with existing Bluestar 3 services, passengers can now catch a bus every 30 minutes between Southampton, Hedge End village and Botley village centres on weekdays and Saturdays.

On Sundays, the combined services provide an hourly connection between these locations.

Passengers currently benefit from a maximum single fare of £3, but this will fall to £2 from 1 January 2027 under the Government-funded fare cap.

Bluestar also offers £1 evening single fares after 6pm, making bus travel an affordable option for people heading out in the evenings.

The service is currently receiving financial support through Hampshire County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan, which helps cover some of the operating costs while passenger numbers grow over the next three to four years.

The council hopes the route will eventually attract enough passengers to operate commercially without the need for ongoing financial support.

Residents who have not yet used the new service are being encouraged to give it a try.

Full timetable information and route details can be found at:

https://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/new-route-bluestar-26

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