Southampton operator Unilink to unveil new fleet of buses 

Passengers in-and-around Southampton are set to welcome 32 brand new Unilink buses to the city - thanks to a £7 million investment. Each of the vehicles has a smart new look and sports the latest Euro 6 low emissions engine - the newest and cleanest standard for diesel.

Unilink is the result of a recently renewed partnership between the University of Southampton and bus operator Bluestar. And the forthcoming launch of its new fleet on Thursday 19 September will be attended by representatives from local councils and from businesses across the region. 

“Unilink has been a real success for the University,” said University of Southampton Transport Manager, Adam Tewkesbury. “We are delighted to be entering our next contract period with these new buses. 

“They will offer additional comfort for every passenger travelling on our services - and they will also carry the latest low-emission engines, making them greener than ever.”

Andrew Wickham, Managing Director of Bluestar, added: “As well as being far kinder to the environment - complying with Southampton’s Clean Air Zone targets being introduced in 2019 -,these impressive new Alexander Dennis E400 MMC double decker buses have a fresh new look. They include glass roofs, creating more light for passengers travelling upstairs, as well as on-board technology like free WiFi USB charging points and contactless payment facilities. 

“We’re very proud to be operating this new fleet on behalf of the University of Southampton and we hope those who travel with us will agree that they offer a superior level of comfort. The aim is to make sustainable transport a more attractive proposition, in order to entice people out of their cars. One full double decker bus can take up to 75 cars off the road - and this investment is a huge step in that direction, as there will now be 32 double deck vehicles in the Unilink fleet.”

The Unilink partnership between the University of Southampton and Bluestar began in 2008, transporting staff and students across the city’s teaching sites and halls of residence. Now its services are now used by passengers from all walks of life. 

For more information about Unilink and its services, please visit unilinkbus.co.uk