Yes, I know, the title sounded better in my head. Stagecoach South are once again ramping up their Park and Ride service for the Christmas period and the Christmas market stalls once again being built in their swathes.
I did wander through the Cathedral area the other evening, having an enjoyable catch up with a friend and a few bevvies around the city centre. I know the last few years, regulars to the Christmas market have said it has felt a little lacklustre, and WELA Märkte are not going to be in Southampton this year [Update: Typically, within hours of publishing this, Southampton City Council have announced an alternative operator will provide the market this year!]. So while we hope that the Winchester market and ice rink will be a success, let’s see the timetable uplift.
Weekdays from Friday 18th November
- The 10 minute frequency for commuters between 0730 and 0930 will continue to run through the day until approximately 1530.
- A 7 minute frequency will run in the evening commute home.
- The last bus to St Catherine’s will run an hour later (leaving Winchester Rail Station at 2031)
Saturdays from 19th November
- Buses will run every 7 minutes (from every 12 minutes) between 0948 and 1730
- The service will reduce in frequency until the last buses around 2030.
Sundays from 20th November
- Buses will run up to every 5 to 7 minutes between 0900 and 1800 serving the St Catherines / Barfield side of the route only.
- There will be no service to Royal County Hospital, or the car parks at Pitt or South on Sundays.
The Christmas timetable will run until Thursday 22nd December, and the Christmas timetable can be found online on the Stagecoach South file server.