I AM writing regarding the inadequacies of our Southampton bus services.

Blue Star Townhill Park 16 now goes via Northam Bridge, omitting Portswood, Cobden Avenue and Mousehole Lane.

Again this area has lost a bus service. Blue Star Boorley Green 3 now also goes via Northam Bridge omitting Peartree Avenue reduced to a one hourly service (First 13) during the day, none during evenings and Sundays.

Northam Bridge does not require all these buses.

Many have been cut with others increased greatly. First 2, 3, 7, 10 and 11 run every seven minutes.

This appears excessive especially when two often run together. Doesn’t this reduce profitability?

  • 10 minute frequency would be more reasonable.
  • I have calculated:
  • 10 hr period every seven minutes
  • 10 hr x 60 min = 600 min divided by seven (min) = 85 buses x five routes = 425 buses
  • 10 hr period every 10 minutes
  • 10 hrs x 60 min = 600 min divided by 10 (min) = 60 buses x five routes = 300 buses

Saving 125 buses!

Reduce these to every 10 minutes and the extra available buses could be used to reinstate cut services. This would give a better service which is so needed.

The two main companies need to work together.

The passengers have been given a raw deal yet again and are resigned to any cuts and changes.

They know the bus companies never listen so have stopped protesting with any enthusiasm.

Come on First and Blue Star start giving the public a proper service! That is what you are there for!

How about a route from Bitterne to Portswood so that it isn’t cut off from the Bitterne residents?

Angela Jones

Southampton