CAMPAIGNERS have hailed plans to overhaul transport services in Southampton but said that an improved bus network could lead to the “fastest results”.

Southampton Street Space welcomed the proposals for increased train services between Southampton, Eastleigh and Fareham and plans for a new transport hub in Woolston.

It comes as trains could run from Southampton Central railway station to stations such as Hamble, Woolston and Swaythling every 30 minutes under new plans.

City leaders said the move would reduce congestion and improve access across the region.

Southampton Street Space said using the railway to improve connectivity with surrounding towns is “undoubtedly a valuable service to transport in the area”.

But in a statement the group added: “But for public transport within the city the best value for money, and the fastest results could be achieved by improving the bus network, and dedicating more road space to buses so they are free to offer a fast and reliable service around our city.”

The group also said that plans for the transport hub in Woolston  “look very promising”.

As reported, the new hub would give residents the opportunity to  hire bikes and e-scooters, access public transport and pick up parcels at new ‘click and collect’ facilities.

Southampton Street Space said: “Transport hubs such as this, if properly implimented, can help offer people real freedom of choice. They give people access to the right transport for the trip they are doing, rather than forcing people to compromise and try and use one vehicle to do all journeys with, whether it is suitable or not.”

Cllr Jeremy Moulton, cabinet member for growth at Southampton City Council, said there are plans to improve bus journeys across the city and support bus companies.

Cllr Moulton said: “I think we should be making far better use of our railway and the ones on the suburbs are barerly used at the moment and that is a massive missed opportunity. But obviously there is not a station everywhere particularly in the north west of the city and they are right bus connectivity has got to be an important feature of our transport network and we are going to be upgrading junctions.” 

It comes as Frogmore junction in Redbridge is to undergo a major revamp which would also see new traffic lights installed at the site in a bid to improve traffic flow.