The award-winning Southampton bus service uni-link is set for further improvements following agreement of a ten-year deal between the University of Southampton and Bluestar which makes the Eastleigh-based bus operator the provider for the popular uni-link network.

Uni-link is the University of Southampton’s bus service, linking its campuses and halls of residence with Southampton General Hospital, the Docks and the city centre through four city-wide routes.

Launched in 2001 to help the University’s staff and students travel around the city, more than three million passengers a year, including staff, students and the general public, now use the network.  The fleet of 18 buses – nine single and nine double deckers – with their distinctive branding, accessible low floors and double doors, combined with a flat fare of £1.50 per journey and smart card ticketing, have helped to make the service one of the most popular in Southampton.

Since its launch, uni-link has seen a remarkable growth in every year of service.  Between 2006/07 and 2007/08 revenue has increased by 11.8 per cent and passenger numbers by 8.5 per cent.

Uni-link has also won a host of awards, including the 2005 Green Gown Transport Award for the best university transport service in the country.  In 2004 it was named as the best transport organisation in Hampshire catering for people with disabilities, in the first Southampton Centre for Independent Living Business and Community Awards.

Bluestar will take over as provider of the uni-link service from the current operator Enterprise on 28 September 2008 to coincide with the new academic year.

The new contract will see a £3 million investment in the service, including a brand new fleet of buses to be rolled out between September 2008 and March 2009.  This will increase capacity on all routes and ‘through ticketing’ options for uni-link ticket holders on Bluestar and Wilts & Dorset bus services will also be trialled.
 
Pete Brunskill, University of Southampton transport manager, comments: "We are extremely proud of our high-quality, award-winning bus service, which continues to go from strength to strength. Last year we carried over three million passengers and are looking forward to working with Bluestar to continue to build on uni-link's excellent reputation for its reliable, clean and friendly service.
 
“Uni-link is a vital part of the University's transport strategy and we are aiming to expand the service to help our staff, students and visitors as well as local residents leave their cars at home and use public transport. This will help reduce congestion, cut pollution and help with efforts to tackle climate change.”
 
Alex Carter, managing director for the Go-Ahead Group’s seven subsidiaries, including Bluestar, in southern England, says that the new partnership will enhance the range of services offered to uni-link passengers.
 
He adds: “We are delighted to gain this prestigious contract and to have the opportunity to support the successful team which manages the uni-link network.  The new fleet of double and single deck buses will meet the demand for extra passenger capacity.  We will also be looking at ways we can offer uni-link passengers additional travel privilege options on our extensive Bluestar and Wilts & Dorset services to encourage more bus and fewer car journeys.”