A SOUTHAMPTON bus operator has revealed plans to end all services across the city.

City Red, owned by First Bus, announced to employees this morning that the company is proposing to close its operations in Southampton.

READ MORE: Live updates as City Red pulls out of Southampton

In messages seen by the Echo, the bus operator said that its last day of running would be on 19 February 2023.

Under the proposals, the firm would relocate drivers to other locations.

But employees said the news has "come out of nowhere".

In a statement sent to employees via a company app, managing director, Simon Goff wrote that he is aware that this is "distressing news".

He wrote: "The next few weeks are going to be challenging for us all as we undertake the consultation process.

"I would ask you to raise any issues or concerns with your line manager or trade union.

"Your ongoing commitment to delivering services as normal during this period is greatly appreciated."

In his statement, he adds: "Unfortunately, our services in Southampton have not been sustainable for many years, even before the Covid pandemic.

"Falling customer numbers post-Covid, changes in travel patterns, rising costs and low fares caused by the oversupply of bus services in Southampton have all contributed to the decision.

"We've examined all available options, but regrettably, we see no alternative."

One Southampton-based bus driver said the news was a "kick in the teeth".

The employee who wished to remain unnamed told the Daily Echo: "We all found out this morning on our employee app.

"There was no indication that this was happening and we've only just come out of talks with the company about pay.

"They said that we would have job security if we took their offer. It had taken our bonuses and lots of people had already left.

"We took the offer but now they have done this. First Bus is offering to move us to different locations but it's just not viable.

"Not many of us will be able to just go to Portsmouth or Gosport like that."

READ MORE: Southampton pupil's anger at school bus being late

Councillor Eammon Keogh, Cabinet Member for Transport and District Regeneration said "City Red’s announcement that they are withdrawing their services from Southampton from 18 February 2023 has come as a real disappointment and shock. 

"As a Council we know that bus travel is an important and valued travel option in Southampton, which is why we have been supporting local bus operators, including First Bus, to support some of their most at-risk routes.

"This includes, funding to make bus travel cheaper with the 5 for £5 group bus fare and £1 evening bus fare schemes, as well as subsidising the CR9 and CR13.

"I want to reassure Southampton residents and businesses that we will be working closely with First Bus and the other bus operators in the city to keep any disruption to a minimum and to ensure we have an effective and efficient city-wide bus service in 2023 and beyond.

"It will be an opportunity to work with community groups in affected areas, giving local people the chance to help shape the future of bus services in Southampton and rebuild a sustainable and connected network ensuring it meets our needs."

Simon Goff, Managing Director for First South said: “We are extremely disappointed to have to take this decision to close our Southampton depot and withdraw all services from the city.

“The proposals to close the depot should not in any way detract from the commitment of our colleagues in Southampton, who have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible service to the local community against the backdrop one of the most challenging situations ever to face the transport industry.

“This isn’t a process that we have entered into lightly. Lower customer numbers post-covid, rising costs, changes in travel patterns and insufficient demand for the number of buses operating in the city’s competitive market have all added extra pressure. This has led to this difficult decision being taken and meant the business is simply no longer sustainable.

“We will continue to operate our services as usual until 19 February, working closely with our local stakeholders to demonstrate our commitment to continue delivering for our customers for the remainder of our time in service to the Southampton community.”

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