This post has been updated to reflect the fact that the X4 and X4A were run commercially, rather than under any arrangement with HCC. We apologise for this mistake.
So, it was not that long ago when we were saying that there would be less green everywhere as the Xela Group gave up services around Hamble, Hedge End and around the long way to Eastleigh. Today we give you new news as there will be even less green around Eastleigh.
Go South Coast have announced on social media this morning that they will be taking on the Xelabus X4 and X4A services from Monday 31st July.
Almost a year since we posted about there being less green everywhere. The Bluestar post on the subject confirms that they are stepping in….
Gareth Blair has confirmed the same within the enthusiast circles, saying “The service no longer fits into our plans as we concentrate heavily on Contract, Private Hire, Rail Replacement, Schools and Colleges.”
Other services are apparently not under threat, albeit the X21 is deemed “under review”.
The announcement is also on the Bluestar website, where it confirms the new services are after discussions with Hampshire County Council.
The Services
You can read, it’s all there above.
- The Bluestar 23 will replace the X4A and represent a resurrection of Bluestar going across Eastleigh other than on Christmas Day.
- The Bluestar 24 will replace the X4 down to Hedge End.
Nothing on timetables yet, although both existing services run hourly. I could foresee that the X4A / 23 might run longer hours as it is currently more of a shopper service than anything; a very tight timetable could allow a single bus to do a half-hourly service.
In Other News…. the Key is dead
The ability to add new products to GoAhead’s theKey will be turned off for Go South Coast on Sunday 30th July. This is a long announced withdrawal of the smart card service which we covered back in October.
For 17/18 year olds and students, the move from the Key means you will now have to pre-verify your age to buy young person products on the Go South Coast app. That will also include a selfie and an ID upload, with more details on the various Go South Coach websites.
As I do not link to them often, here is the announcement on the Southern Vectis website.
Please note the X4 and X4A are NOT supported by Hampshire CC as both routes are COMMERCIAL. Phil Blair, Commercial Manager, Xelabus Limited
My apologies, I was under the impression these were.
I think the Blueline website news may have added to the confusion through implication as they state “Following discussions with Hampshire County Council, we are pleased to announce we will step in to run the X4 bus service between Eastleigh and Hedge End, from Monday 31 July.”. Thus implying some form of HCC involvement. Obviously a commercial decision by Xela to drop it’s “farebox” route(s) & concentrate on the contract & private hire side of the business which also includes schools & colleges & PCC/SCC contracts
Fair enough.
I believe the other routes (Hoppas, X11, X12) will not be at risk, because it is convenient to them to run some services off peak.
Southampton Bus Update seems to have gone to sleep again lately sadly.