A £1 bus fare scheme is set to continue this summer in Southampton, it has been revealed. 

The evening bus fare scheme, which was first brought in as the country recovered from lockdown, will continue until at least this summer. 

Speaking to the Echo, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for growth, Cllr Jeremy Moulton said the authority would be extending the "successful" trial. 

Covering Bluestar and City Red services, it aims to help people get into the city centre more easily and to "boost the economy". 

Cllr Moulton said: "We originally said that we'd fund it until December, we've extended that until the end of March and now we are continuing it for the time being into the summer. We'll take a view on how that funding can be best utilised. 

READ MORE: New support announced for essential Southampton bus services

"The reason we're extending it isn't because we've got more money, it's because the money is going further because it's proving to be very successful.

"The more people that take advantage of it, the less the taxpayer subsidises it because the buses become more profitable."

The scheme is now due to be reviewed in the summer with the authority set to decide how best to use the funding. 

The deputy council leader has said footfall in the city is "bouncing back".

Cllr Moulton added: "It's uncertain times with the economy and cost of living so we're definitely not taking our foot off the gas in terms of the support we're providing."

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