Southampton bus campaigners demand better services

Passengers on the Red City 13 from the city centre to Harefield have been signing a petition with hopes to save the "vital" bus service.

Several changes to the service were brought in last month including a new route and reduced hourly timetable.

Operator First Bus said the changes were made due to low passenger numbers - but campaigners argue that the service is well used.

READ MORE: Calls to save 'lifeline' services as First Bus announces cuts

Babra Hancock and Emma Rowe (Image: Hannah De Boltz, Newsquest)

Barbara Hancock and Emma Rowe, from Harefield Bus Campaigners, have been taking the 13 bus to collect statements from passengers about its value.

The petition has more than 30 statements and shows a list of how the changes to the service has hit residents.

Common issues include getting to and from doctors' appointments, commuting and having no other transport.

Barbara said: "The last service leaving the city centre at 5.41pm. It means that people have to rush from work to get the bus.

"If they miss it they will have to walk from Bitterne. I understand that during the day there is a low number of passengers.

"But this is the only bus that goes to Harefield and when it is the evening bus it is full. 

"We are hoping to go to the council with all the statements we have collected and ask them to step up."

The pair have been handing out letters to passengers asking how they will be affected by the changes and to email harefieldbuscampaign@gmail.com

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Transport and District Regeneration, said the council is working to improve the service. 

He said: "As a Labour administration we are working with First to protect bus services such as the number 13 that serves Peartree and Harefield. 

"We are already supporting early morning services to ensure pupils can attend Woodlands Community College on time.

"The last bus leaving West Quay to Harefield is at 5.41pm. 

"We are hoping to persuade first to put on an additional service that leaves at 6.41pm as we know there is a demand."

He added: "As a Labour administration, we are committed to improving the journey experience of residents however they get around Southampton.

"We are spending more on resurfacing our roads, improving our cycling network and supporting bus use."

First Bus has been approached.

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