A SOUTHAMPTON bus operator has celebrated a major milestone.

University of Southampton bus Unilink welcomed its 40 millionth passenger.

The company was set up back in 2008 to transport the university’s staff and students between teaching sites and halls of residence.

Nine years on, it provides services to people from all walks of life.

Managing director Andrew Wickham, said: “This is a real milestone for us - and demonstrates Unilink’s growing popularity here in the city. I’m delighted to be celebrating this achievement.

“It is testament to our excellent team - both at Bluestar and at the University of Southampton - that so many people across the city are choosing to travel with us again and again. I look forward to many more customers enjoying our bus services over the coming months and years.”

The 40 millionth passenger is April Large who studies nursing at the University of Southampton.

The 22-year-old received £50 vouchers and a bottle of bubbly to celebrate.

She said:” I can’t believe it. I travel with Unilink all the time. It’s a perfect link between home and the university, and I’m absolutely delighted to be the 40 millionth customer.”

The bus operator offers passengers contactless ticketing, smart card options, on-board WiFi and USB chargers.

Adam Tewkesbury, transport manager at the University of Southampton, said: “Unilink services are really well used by our staff and students, but it has been particularly encouraging to see the increasing number of non-University passengers using our buses.”Hitting such an impressive milestone shows just how popular Unilink has become, and we will work with Go South Coast to keep this momentum going.”

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, Unilink is also to introduce changes to the route and timetable for the U2, which runs between Bassett and the city centre.

From September 24, the U2 will continue to serve the city centre, university campuses, Glen Eyre and the Flowers Estate as it does currently.

However, on reaching the end of Lobelia Road, the new route will turn right into Bassett Green Road, serving two new stops offering access to the Leaside Way area.

It will then turn right into Stoneham Lane, serving Market Buildings in Swaythling close to the shops and City Gateway Halls, returning to the University Highfield Interchange via Burgess Road.