DOZENS of drivers face losing their jobs after a bus company announced it was ending all services. 

Around 100 staff based in Southampton have described the news as a "kick in the teeth" after City Red said it will be ceasing all operations. 

The service, owned by First Bus, said that its last day of running would be on February 19 next year.

Concerns have been raised for the employees whose jobs are now at risk just weeks before Christmas. 

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

The announcement was made yesterday and employees were informed via the company app. 

One Southampton-based bus driver 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: Bluestar confirms all existing City Red areas will be served

Bluestar has said it will take up some pre-existing routes around the city. 

According to the company, the services will be very similar to how it is now, but the routes may have different numbers.

Passengers have expressed concerns about the drivers and how busy the Bluestar services will be. 

Miles Turner, 24, said: "For me, it's just sad for the bus drivers.

"My driver seemed really [annoyed] when I got on, he told me that they wouldn't be here from February and that we'd only have the blue buses.

"He was really mad, I felt for him."

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

Barbara Hancock who has previously organised several campaigns demanding better bus services for Harefield said she is "shocked" by the decision.

She said: "We were meant to have a meeting with the council's transport team today and ten minutes before it was meant to begin they had called it off.

"I now realise that this is the reason why. We were meant to speak with them about our petition for a better service with the Red City 13.

"This might not be bad news. It's up to Bluestar and the council to create a better city-wide service. 

"Without the battle between the two services hopefully, something will be done. Fares will spike and there will be other massive implications."

READ MORE: Bus passengers urge council to save 'lifeline' services as cuts announced

Kayleigh Stevens, 27, a mum-of-two, said she relies on buses to get her into town, to the supermarket, and even hospital appointments.

She said: "Luckily I live in Shirley so [Bluestar] buses are available.

"But I am worried about how crowded those buses will be, especially at busy times of the day, if there's no other company." 

Debbie Stevens, 56, added: "This must be so awful for the poor bus drivers.

"Right before Christmas too. What's going to happen to all those people who rely on that job."

Simon Goff, managing director for First South, said the company was "extremely disappointed" to make the decision. 

He said: "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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