A NEW bus service to take residents to Southampton General Hospital will be launched this month.

Bluestar has announced that its new 17 service between the city centre and the hospital will hit the road for the first time on October 25.

The firm says it will run every 15 minutes on Monday to Saturday and every half an hour on Sundays and was launched after discussions with passengers, the city council and the hospital.

Starting just after 5am during weekdays, the new service’s route will start in Vincent’s Walk before heading to Above Bar, Commercial Road, Shirley, Aldermoor, Lordshill and Lower Brownhill via the hospital.

Company managing director Andrew Wickham said: “Bluestar 17 will provide an essential service for local people – whether specifically on hospital business or going about their daily commute.

“We developed the route based on customer requests and travel patterns - and early feedback indicates that the service will be warmly welcomed.”

The council’s environment and transport chief, Jacqui Rayment, said: “It’s good news that Bluestar is listening to the needs of Southampton residents and introducing this new route, which will make life that little bit easier for many people across the city.

“This route will provide a much-needed regular and reliable link with the General Hospital - and that is a very welcome thing.”

The new service’s first journey will start at 6.25am on October 25 at Vincent’s Walk.

Residents can talk to Bluestar staff about the new service during two all-day promotional events taking place in the hospital’s foyer on October 28 and 29.