Bluestar begins new routes

Bluestar has begun running the services of former operator First Southampton, which has now left the Hampshire city.

Bluestar took on the City Red routes after FirstBus announced in November 2022 that it would close its Portswood depot and withdraw its First Southampton services.

FirstBus said the pandemic and a change in travel patterns had affected its routes, which were no longer sustainable.

Bluestar has taken on six routes; many are the same as the City Red ones, although some route numbers have changed.