As part of Their consultation process this past Autumn, they advised their fans and customers across the network that they hoped to introduce full easy access operation on all our routes from 21 February 2010.

Unfortunately, there has been a delay in them receiving there four remaining Mercedes Citaro buses and this means that this launch date may have to be put back slightly. They are really disappointed by this, as they were so excited about being able to offer this pledge as soon as they can to the many people we know will appreciate it.

It means that they will have enough easy access buses to run the whole network, but some non-easy access buses (with a stepped entrance), will be used as back-ups and may enter service should a front-line vehicle need servicing.

Easy Access on all these routes from 21 February

However, they are committed to running the following services with easy access buses from 21 February. Should they fail to provide an easy access bus, you are entitled to travel for free (more details below)...

Bluestar 1 Southampton-Winchester

Bluestar 2 Southampton-Fair Oak

Bluestar 3 Southampton-Botley

Bluestar 9 Southampton-Waterside

Bluestar 10 Southampton-Cadnam

Bluestar 11 Southampton-Cadnam

Bluestar 14 Southampton-Bitterne

Bluestar 18 Millbrook-Southampton-Thornhill

Citylink Central Station-Town Quay

Baby Bluestar E1 2 3 Eastleigh-Winchester

Baby Bluestar F H T Local neighbourhood links

Nightstar N1 N2 N6 N9 N16 N18 N19

Uni-link U1 Dock Gate 4-Airport

Uni-link U2 Southampton-Bassett Green

Uni-link U6 Dock Gate 4-General Hospital

Uni-link U9 Townhill Park-General Hospital

Easy Access on all these routes from 15 March

Whilst they expect that easy access buses will operate most journeys on the following routes, they cannot offer this guarantee at the moment...

Bluestar 4 Southampton-Romsey

Bluestar 8 Southampton-Hythe

Bluestar 12 Southampton-Calmore

By 15 March, they expect that these three routes will be run by smart, posh Mercedes Citaro easy access buses, and they will be working like mad to get these into service for you as soon as possible.

Not an easy access bus? Then you can ride for free!

And, from 15 March - they will offer all customers a simple pledge. If any Bluestar or Uni-link route runs with a non-easy access bus, you will be entitled to a free day pass. Simply post us your ticket or tell Them what journey you travelled on, and they will post you a free day ticket for you to use on any date until 2012 on any Bluestar or Wilts & Dorset bus. Just send your ticket to their freepost address...

Easy Access Guarantee Bluestar HQ Freepost SO3313 Eastleigh SO50 6UA

Please note that this does not apply to any school- or college-specific bus numbered in the 500 or 600 series.

If Anythink changes or the dates are changed then I will post back.