Two bus routes in Southampton will be taken on by a new operator – and a seamless transition is promised.

The update comes as the Southampton City Council’s political lead for transport said passenger numbers in the city had returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Cllr Eamonn Keogh confirmed Bluestar had been awarded the contract to run routes between the city centre and Lordshill and Shirley, respectively.

READ MORE: Bluestar announces changes to Southampton bus services

This announcement was made ahead of Xelabus discontinuing its X11 and X12 services, which are both council-tendered, at the end of the current contract period.

The Bluestar 21 and Bluestar 22 will have a “very similar” timetable to the existing routes when they launch on Monday, October 28.

Speaking at a council meeting on September 18, Cllr Keogh said there would be a “seamless transition”.

His comments came in response to a question from Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Richard Blackman.

“We have got a fantastic operator in Bluestar,” Cllr Keogh said.

“In 2022, when First left the market, they took a huge risk in stepping in and taking all of the routes of First.

“They have invested millions in new buses. They have taken on the Empress Road (bus depot) site. They have transformed that.

“They have got a new staff premises on the high street. They are paying above the living wage.

“They are doing a fantastic job in the city.”

The senior Labour councillor said bus usage was back to pre-Covid passenger levels, with this achieved before places such as Brighton and Reading.

He added that the city had one of the strongest bus operations in the country outside the metropolitan areas.

Cllr Blackman said a seamless transition to the new operator would be welcomed by residents.

Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager, said: “Our new timetables will be very similar to the current X11 and X12 – with full details available shortly on our website and at bus stops.

“We know many local people rely on these services because they provide vital links to local shops and other amenities – including Southampton General Hospital.

“Our team will be working with Southampton City Council to ensure a smooth transition, and we’re looking forward to welcoming passengers on board the new Bluestar 21 and Bluestar 22 from October 28.”

A Xelabus spokesperson said the firm decided it no longer wished to operate local bus services as the business was now more focused on contract services.

It did not enter the council’s tender exercise for either route, the spokesperson added.