Southampton City Council Partners for Festive Travel
As the festive season approaches, Southampton City Council is excited to announce the return of a beloved initiative that promises to make holiday travel more affordable and enjoyable for local residents and visitors alike. In collaboration with Bluestar, First Solent, and Unilink, the council is reintroducing the highly popular 5 for £5 group travel offer. This initiative is made possible through funding from the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus allocation, ensuring that families and friends can comfortably navigate the city during this bustling time of year.
Offer Details and Duration
From Saturday, November 18, 2023, to Monday, January 1, 2024, this fantastic offer allows up to five individuals to purchase a group ticket for just £5. The great news? This ticket provides unlimited bus travel throughout the day, with no time restrictions, across Bluestar and Unilink services, as well as on First Solent’s X4 and X5 routes within the city. This means you can hop on and off as you explore the festive offerings without worrying about the cost piling up.
Previous Success and Popularity
The 5 for £5 offer has proven to be a resounding success in the past. During the summer months alone, approximately 21,000 group tickets were sold, translating to an impressive saving of over £62,000 for families and friends traveling together. This initiative not only facilitated travel but also encouraged participation in a host of local events. It played a vital role in bringing the community together during the summer, and now it’s set to do the same for the Christmas festivities.
Festive Activities Awaiting Exploration
With the return of this offer, a world of festive fun awaits in Southampton. Visitors can partake in Go! Southampton’s Countdown to Christmas, where the city comes alive with celebrations. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Christmas Market, where festive food and handmade gifts abound. Those with a passion for performance can experience the thrill of panto season at local theatres, while others might find joy in watching the enchanting light show at the Bargate.
And let’s not forget about New Year’s Eve—what better way to celebrate with friends and family than by traveling around the city on a bustling bus? The affordability of the 5 for £5 group ticket, coupled with the £1 evening fare offer and the national £2 fare cap, significantly eases travel costs, allowing everyone to fully embrace the festive spirit without breaking the bank.
Words from the Council
Councillor Eamonn Keogh, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, voiced his enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “The 5 for £5 group fare offer proved very popular over the summer, with an estimated 77,000 people spending less on bus travel. With the help of the Department for Transport, we’re pleased to be able to bring it back for Christmas and make group travel around the city more affordable when families need it the most.” This sentiment underscores the commitment of the council and its partners to provide accessible transportation solutions during peak seasons.
Conclusion: An Affordable Travel Solution
The reintroduction of the 5 for £5 group travel offer epitomizes a community-focused approach to public transport, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Southampton’s festive activities without the hassle of transportation costs. With a variety of festive attractions to explore and the convenience of affordable travel options, residents and visitors are invited to take full advantage of this special offer over the holiday season.