First Bus will close its operation in Southampton and withdraw all routes operated from there after 19 February 2023. It says that the plan is a result of the business in the city there having “not been sustainable for some considerable time,” a factor “only made worse by the impact of the pandemic.”
A competitive market, lower passenger numbers post-pandemic, rising costs and changes to travel patterns are also cited. The group says that while much work has been done in an attempt to save the business, “there simply remains insufficient demand for the number of buses operating in the city’s competitive market.”
Work is underway to support staff affected by the closure as “an absolute priority.” That involves identifying opportunities to transfer to depots in the Solent area. First Bus is also working with Southampton City Council to ensure a smooth transition as it prepares to exit the city.
Commenting on the news, First South Managing Director Simon Goff says: “We are extremely disappointed to have to take this decision to close our Southampton depot and withdraw all services from the city.
“The proposals to close the depot should not in any way detract from the commitment of our colleagues in Southampton, who have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible service to the local community against the backdrop of one of the most challenging situations ever to face the transport industry.
“This is not a process that we have entered into lightly. Lower customer numbers post-COVID-19, rising costs, changes in travel patterns and insufficient demand for the number of buses operating in the city’s competitive market have all added extra pressure. This has led to this difficult decision being taken and meant the business is simply no longer sustainable.
“We will continue to operate our services as usual until 19 February 2023, working closely with our local stakeholders to demonstrate our commitment to continue delivering for our customers for the remainder of our time in service to the Southampton community.”
Go South Coast (GSC) immediately moved to state that its Bluestar subsidiary would provide “very similar” levels of service on routes currently operated by First Bus in Southampton after that operation ceases. GSC MD Andrew Wickham says that bus passengers in the city “need not be concerned” by First’s withdrawal.
“I can reassure them that Bluestar is ready to step in, to ensure bus users can still get to where they need to go,” he adds, highlighting the work done earlier this year when Yellow Buses in Bournemouth abruptly ceased operation and GSC stepped in to continue services.
“On this occasion, we have a little more time, and are already planning the new routes and timetables. We will announce these as soon as they are complete. We are very proud to be helping to keep our communities running. And we look forward to welcoming new colleagues and customers on board, as we aim to transform Southampton bus services for the better over the coming months and years,” continues Mr Wickham.
