Concessionary bus travel time restrictions in Southampton have been lifted until further notice, while slimmed-down bus timetables are being operated by some companies.
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This from the council in their own words:
In response to the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis, Southampton City Council is to permit concessionary travel without time restrictions on all bus services across the city. Currently concessionary travel is available from 9am for all eligible pass holders. From Monday 23 March, this restriction will be lifted until further notice and will apply Monday-Sunday on all services operated by City Red FirstGroup, Bluestar, Unlink, Xelabus and Wheelers.
Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place and Transport, says:
“It is vital that we support the most vulnerable members of our communities and ensure they have access to the services they need with as little disruption as possible at this difficult time. From Monday 23 March, concessionary bus pass holders will therefore be able to travel on all bus services across Southampton without time restrictions. This will enable continued ease of access to important facilities such as shops and healthcare settings, for those who do still need to travel.
"We would however remind people to continue to follow the NHS advice on self-isolation, social distancing and good hand hygiene and to avoid all non-essential travel wherever possible.”
Please visit the Government and NHS websites for guidance on practising good hygiene, social distancing and other helpful advice. Further information is also available on Southampton City Council's website here.
Bus timetable changes
Meanwhile in response to the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis, the council says City Red FirstGroup will be operating a Saturday timetable on all of its services across the city from Monday 23 March until further notice.
There will be no change to Saturday or Sunday timetables.
Details of the service changes and any future updates can be found on the City Red FirstGroup website.
Bluestar is also running a reduced service from Monday 23: full details on their website.