A BUS service facing the axe has been saved - for a three-month trial period.

City Red's number nine service was set to be cut due to low numbers of passengers.

But now Southampton City Council said it is socially necessary. The council will subsidise its operation with a revised route starting from October 31.

The service currently takes passengers between Sholing, Bitterne, and the city centre.

The new route will serve Peartree Avenue instead of Spring Road and is alongside wider changes to the City Red 13 service for Sholing to Bitterne.

READ MORE: Pensioners hit out at First Bus plans to axe number 9 service

The council will consider options for a longer-term provision during the trial.

Passenger levels will be monitored and adjustments will be made to the timetables depending on demand or need.

A decision about the continuation of the service will be made before the end of the trial.

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Transport and District Regeneration, said: "Many people rely on this service.

"For work, study, essential journeys, and socialising. So we are keen to work with First Bus to support this valuable service.

"Whilst finding additional funding is difficult in the current financial climate. I’m delighted that we can manage this service.

"We will be closely monitoring passenger numbers over the three-month period so I would encourage people to support this local route.”

The bus service will be subsidised using cash from a Government fund designed to bolster public transport following the pandemic.

Simon Goff, Managing Director for First South said he First Bus is pleased by the council's funding decision. 

He said: "We hope that it is of use to local people and those visiting the city and we look forward to seeing the results of the trial."

The bus will run hourly from Monday to Saturday.