BLUESTAR has won a contract to run new bus routes for Southampton students to a school and college.

The bus company has been chosen to provide additional bus services for students at Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh and St George Catholic College.

From September 2023, Bluestar will extend its partnership with Barton Peveril by adding seven extra routes and becoming the sole provider of the college’s bus services. The additional buses will serve Bishops Waltham, Wickham, Hamble, Woolston, Bitterne and Botley.

The local operator will also begin a new contract with St George Catholic College, providing four routes linking the college with Lordshill, Millbrook, Shirley, Woolston, Sholing, Bitterne, Whiteley and Locks Heath.

Bluestar general manager, Richard Tyldsley commented: “We are thrilled to be continuing our excellent relationship with Barton Peveril and beginning what promises to be a very successful partnership with St George.

“It’s important that students benefit from reliable and comfortable transport to and from college, and these partnerships will provide just that. We’re also offering up-to-the-minute smart mobile ticketing - ending the need for paper bus passes. So, it will be easier than ever for students to manage their travel to college.

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“Our drivers are pleased to be transporting their new passengers from September and are looking forward to ensuring they enjoy a top-quality service.”

Shannon Gillick, student services hub manager, said: "Our students having an enjoyable service day to day is hugely important to us and the expansion of our college routes with Bluestar will ensure this is provided. We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Bluestar.”

James Habberley, head teacher at St George Catholic College, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Bluestar from September. With just under 400 students using our school buses, it is essential that we continue to have a high-quality service that students, parents and Saint George can rely on. We are looking forward to the future with Bluestar, and the additional benefits it brings our students and parents.”

Further details of the routes and timetables will be published on the colleges’ and Bluestar’s websites later this summer.