The Department for Transport announced a week ago that it was extending pandemic support for bus services in the UK. The COVID bus grants were due to end and this meant that many bus companies, alongside Hampshire County Council’s announcement that they are looking to slash money from it’s own bus tenders; led to companies starting to cancel their tendered and marginal services.
In Fareham, First Solent had already registered the cancellations for the F1, F2 and F3 services which we assume is in part due to the ending of the grants.
So with a little outrage from local councillor and a few complaints on social media, it looks like First Solent have reviewed their services and decided that they can continue.
Service F1 weekdays will run hourly between 0955 and 1555 (from Fareham Bus Station) and a Schooldays only departure at 1730 (not sure why Schooldays only)
Updated – 6 Sept – First Solent have announced an additional morning peak trip at 0808 from Thorni Avenue to town
Service F1 on Saturdays will run every 2 hours between 0955 and 1555
Service F2 will run on weekdays only leaving Fareham Bus Station at 0930, 1130 and 1330.
Timetables for the Service F1 (updated) and Service F2 are now available on the First Solent website.