BLUESTAR has stepped in to run services across the city in light of First Bus leaving Southampton.

Bus operator City Red, owned by First Bus, today announced the company is planning to close its operations in the city from February 19 2023.

UPDATE: Bluestar confirms all existing City Red areas will be served

The company cited low customer numbers and an “ultra-competitive” city market as reasons.

Now, Bluestar is stepping in to run additional services.

READ MORE: 'Distressing news' as City Red set to axe all services in Southampton

Daily Echo:

Managing director Andrew Wickham said: “We understand that people and visitors may be worried that bus travel across the region will be impacted by this decision - but they need not be concerned.

“Bluestar is ready to step in, to ensure bus users can still get to where they need to go.

“From 19 February 2023, the city and its surrounding area will be covered by a very similar level of services - albeit with different coloured buses running the routes.

“We will be working hard over the coming months to plan the new services.

“We look forward to welcoming new colleagues and customers on board, as we aim to transform Southampton bus services for the better over the coming months and years.”

The First Bus team is currently working with Southampton City Council to ensure a smooth transition and keep disruption to a minimum.

Simon Goff, Managing Director for First South said the business is no longer sustainable.

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

He 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 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.”

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