Affordable Group Travel for the Festive Season
This holiday season, residents and visitors in Southampton have an exciting and wallet-friendly travel option at their fingertips. From November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025, groups of up to five people can take advantage of an enticing offer from Bluestar, Unilink, and select First Solent services: a group ticket for just £5 that allows unlimited bus travel for the entire day.
Building on Past Success
This fantastic offer isn’t new; it was first introduced during the summer months and received an overwhelmingly positive response. Nearly 26,000 group tickets were sold, resulting in savings close to £90,000 for bus travelers. This kind of reception speaks volumes about the appeal of affordable, accessible public transport options during peak travel times.
Participating Services
The group ticket offer applies to all Bluestar and Unilink services running within Southampton. However, it’s important to note that among First Solent services, only the X4 and X5 routes will participate in this special promotion. This makes the bus a viable option for those looking to explore the city or attend events during the festive season.
Encouraging Sustainable Travel
Andrew Wickham, Managing Director of Bluestar and Unilink, expressed enthusiasm for reintroducing the offer this Christmas. He shared, “We are pleased to welcome back this offer for the Christmas period. It gives local people added incentive to leave their cars at home and travel with friends or family by bus to enjoy all the festivities. This will help ease congestion and, of course, it will benefit people’s pockets too.”
The message is clear: by opting for bus travel, not only do passengers save money, but they also contribute to reducing road congestion during a busy time of year.
Southampton’s Christmas Market
The group ticket promotion coincides perfectly with the return of Southampton’s Christmas market, which opens on November 15—the same day the bus offer begins. This market is a dazzling draw for both locals and tourists alike, showcasing a myriad of festive stalls, local crafts, and mouthwatering treats. The bus service provides an excellent alternative for those looking to visit the market without the hassle of parking.
Successful Partnerships
Wickham noted that the partnership between Bluestar, Unilink, and Southampton City Council has played a crucial role in making this promotion possible. He remarked, “Southampton has so much to offer – even more so at this time of year – and we’re looking forward to welcoming more people than ever on-board.” Such collaborations highlight the importance of local entities working together to enhance community services, particularly during the busy Christmas period.
National Fare Cap
In addition to the group ticket benefits, the bus offer will continue even as the national £2 single fare cap concludes on December 31. Following that, the cap will rise to £3, maintaining an affordable option for travelers in the region. This strategic timing ensures that those looking to commute to the multitude of holiday festivities can still do so economically.
Funding and Service Adjustments
This group travel promotion is partly funded by the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, which was allocated to the council. However, it’s worth noting that budget adjustments mean services will adapt; specifically, 11 of Bluestar’s routes are currently diverting due to construction and street closures, particularly on Bargate Street, as arrangements are made for the Christmas market running until January 10, 2025.
Accessibility During Congestion
While some bus stops such as ASDA/Marlands, Civic Centre, West Quay, and Holyrood Church will be out of service during the construction period, passengers can still access alternative routes and stops. This ensures travelers can navigate the city effectively even amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.
This festive season, grab your friends and family, hop on a bus, and enjoy all that Southampton has to offer—without breaking the bank!