BLUESTAR 1683 ON PORTLAND STREET
Southampton is a port city on England’s south coast, located on the River Itchen in Hampshire. It serves as a central transport hub for the region, with extensive bus services connecting the city to surrounding areas. A small new bus station recently opened at Albion Place, off Castle Way.
🚌 Bus Services and Operators:
Several bus companies operate in Southampton:
Bluestar: The most prominent operator providing local and regional services, it is a subsidiary of Go South Coast, part of the Go-Ahead Group.
Unilink: Another subsidiary of Go South Coast, specialising in services aimed at student travel.
Salisbury Reds: Also a subsidiary of Go South Coast, linking Southampton with Salisbury.
FirstGroup: Once a much more common presence in the city until the closure of their Southampton depot in February 2023, First now operate only a service to Portsmouth, from their Hoeford depot.
🕰️ Historical Overview:
A history of buses in Southampton:
1919: Southampton Corporation Transport began operating motor bus services, succeeding the city's tram network.
1986: Southampton Corporation was rebranded as Southampton Citybus following deregulation.
1993: Southampton Citybus was sold to its employees.
1997: FirstGroup acquired Southampton Citybus, renaming it First Southampton.
2023: First Southampton ceased operations, marking the end of over a century of the company's operation in the city. Services were taken over by Go-Ahead subsidiary, Bluestar.
📷 Bus Spotting Popularity:
Southampton offers several opportunities for bus spotting enthusiasts. High-frequency routes operated by Bluestar and Unilink provide ample opportunities for spotting a range of vehicles throughout the day. The city's fleet of modern vehicles adds to the appeal for bus enthusiasts
📝 Summary:
In summary, Southampton's rich history, diverse bus operators, and vibrant bus spotting locations make it an exciting city for transport enthusiasts.
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First Hampshire & Dorset 35206, registered SL16 RFE, a Wright StreetDeck in City Red livery, travelling along Pound Tree Road, while operating a Route 3 service to Thornhill
Bluestar 1249, registration HF68DXT, a ADL Enviro 400 City, on Vincents Walk, operating the route 18 service to Millbrook
Bluestar 6903 (LX06 EBC), a Volvo B7TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini, still displaying remnants of its former Go North East livery, on Vincents Walk, as it operates a 19 service to Thornhill
First Hampshire & Dorset 47695, registered SL15 RWW, a Wright StreetLite DF in City Red livery, turns onto Castle Way, working a Route 2 service to Weston
First Hampshire & Dorset 63055 (SK63KJU), a Wright StreetLite DF in the now-defunct ‘City Red’ livery, operating a 3 service through Southampton City Centre to Thornhill
Bluestar 270 (HF69CMZ), an ADL Enviro 200 MMC, captured on Bargate Street, loading passengers for a 16 service to Townhill Park
Bluestar 406 (WX60EDP), an Optare Versa, still wearing the green and blue livery of its previous operator, Swindon Bus Company, seen on Castle Way in Southampton, operating a 15 service towards the City Centre
Unilink 1207 (HF18FEH), an ADL Enviro 400 MMC, as it makes its way along Portland Terrace, operating the U1C service towards the National Oceanography Centre
Bluestar 1557, registration HJ63JMV, an ADL Enviro 400 on Castle Way, operating a route 17 service to Weston
Bluestar 1644, registration HF66CXP, an ADL Enviro 400 MMC, on Bargate Street, while the vehicle was not in service
Bluestar 1683 (HF20CFM), an ADL Enviro 400 MMC, captured on Portland Terrace while operating a 9 service to Langley
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