SOUTHAMPTON residents are being offered a week’s unlimited bus travel for half the price in a bid to ease fuel pump costs.

Bluestar is offering car drivers the chance to avoid rising fuel costs by switching to the bus, and trying its services for half the cost of regular weekly app tickets.

With prices at fuel pumps creeping towards £2 per litre - and predicted to go much higher - many are reconsidering their travel options, and the local bus operator is urging them to embrace green and efficient public transport.

Customers using the Bluestar app for the first time can travel in any zone as often as they like for their first week with 50 per cent off standard seven day tickets, by using the discount code FUEL.

“These are challenging times for many reasons, and the cost of fuel is adding to the concerns of people across the city,” said Bluestar managing director, Andrew Wickham.

“People are now travelling far less by car and, although we have yet to receive official figures, we have seen with our own eyes the reduction in congestion across the region.

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“The world is a very different place than it was even a few weeks ago, and many of us are considering life adjustments for the future.

“Even seemingly small changes, like switching from car to bus, can have a hugely significant impact - not only on the pockets of individuals but also for our environment.

“Our bus fleet carries low missions Euro 6 engines, and just one full double-decker bus has the potential to take up to 75 cars off the road - so we’re hoping for a positive response from local people and the chance to make an impact on the quality of the air we breathe here in Southampton.

“In support of this, Bluestar is offering potential passengers the chance to try out bus travel for their first week from just £5.”