Residents in Bitterne and neighbouring communities are set for a sizeable change to local bus services when a revised Bluestar network comes into operation on Saturday 30 August. The package, announced by operators and local councillors, aims to improve links to the city centre, Southampton General Hospital and surrounding suburbs.
What’s changing
The most eye-catching move is the introduction of the new Bluestar 6. It will run between Townhill Park and the city centre, passing through Bitterne, Peartree and Woolston. For parts of Peartree Avenue the revision means more frequent daytime buses — services will be scheduled every 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday.
- New Bluestar 6: Townhill Park – City Centre via Bitterne, Peartree and Woolston;
- Bluestar 16: extended to provide a regular link from Bitterne to Southampton General Hospital via the city centre and Southampton Central station;
- New Bluestar 26: hourly service between Bitterne and the city centre, calling at Hedge End, Botley and Whiteley.
Councillor Phil Webb said the changes would help people reach key destinations. He told reporters:
"The biggest change locally is the introduction of the new Bluestar 6. This will provide a new link between Townhill Park and Bitterne, while also improving services along Peartree Avenue, which will have a bus every 30 minutes during the daytime Monday to Saturday."
Local impact and losses
While the improvements are being framed as better access for work, education and health services, not every change will be welcomed. The Bitterne Hoppa daytime shopping service is to be withdrawn from the same date, meaning those who used that specific link will need to rely on the reworked Bluestar services instead. The operator has said updated timetables and route maps will be published ahead of the changes to help passengers plan.
| Route | Key destinations | Frequency / note |
|---|---|---|
| Bluestar 6 | Townhill Park, Bitterne, Peartree, Woolston, City Centre | Daytime every 30 minutes on Peartree Ave (Mon–Sat) |
| Bluestar 16 | Bitterne, City Centre, Southampton Central, General Hospital | Extended to improve hospital link |
| Bluestar 26 | Bitterne, Hedge End, Botley, Whiteley, City Centre | Hourly |
For commuters and hospital visitors this redesign should mean more direct journeys without changing at the city centre. For shoppers who relied on the Hoppa, it will mean adjusting to different routes and timetables.
Practical next steps for passengers
The operator has committed to publishing the new timetables and route maps in advance. Passengers are advised to look out for those updates so they can plan journeys from the end of August. Where services change or are withdrawn, community groups and councillors often publish local guidance; residents who depend on specific links for medical appointments or employment would be wise to check alternative journeys before the changes come into force.
The changes form part of a wider reshaping of bus provision across the east of the city. While the council welcomed the investment in connections, passengers will be watching closely to see whether promised frequencies and direct links materialise once the new timetables begin.
