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Velvet (bus company)
Encyclopedia
Velvet is a bus company located in Eastleigh
, owned by Phil Stockley, the former manager of Solent Blue Line
. The company was set up on 3rd November 2007, and its first operational contract was started in January 2008, running a temporary shuttle for Tesco
staff.
On 25 February 2008, Velvet took over the running of Red Rocket A in Eastleigh
, which was being given up by the previous operator Solent Blue Line
(under the Red Rocket brand) as part of their network restructuring. Since then, Velvet has gained a number of contracts to run other routes.
- West End
- Hedge End
- Botley
- Boorley Green.
On 25 February 2008 Velvet started running this service, which was given up by Solent Blue Line, on a half-hourly frequency. First
run the Hedge End
- Hamble
service as part of their 26 route and also run the evening A service between Eastleigh and Hedge End. Stagecoach
run the Sunday service on the route between Eastleigh and Hedge End.
In summer 2008, a major road closure caused the service to be diverted and subsequently reduced in frequency. When the road reopened, the route continued in its diverted form due to increased passenger custom, although the frequency still remained hourly.
On 12 January 2009, the route was amended in the Hedge End and Botley area, no longer serving Hobb Lane and Tanhouse Lane, but running instead via Bursledon Road. The route was also extended to Boorley Green, replacing First service 25.
On 6 June 2011, the route changes to a 30 minute frequency between Eastleigh & Hedge End Mon-Sat daytime, with hourly loops to Oaklands Estate and Botley. The route will also use low floor single deckers rather than the step entry double deckers currently used. A 611 service on college days was also introduced.
On 16 October 2011, the evening service will change operators from First Hampshire & Dorset
to Velvet. The sunday service transfers from Stagecoach in Hampshire
to First Hampshire & Dorset
- Chandler's Ford
- Hiltingbury
Velvet C2 - Eastleigh
- Chandler's Ford
- Hiltingbury
Velvet C3 - Eastleigh
- Asda
- Valley Park
- Hiltingbury
Velvet originally started running the route C1 in the evenings in September 2008 when Bluestar lost the tender for this route. Daytime services continued to be run by Bluestar. Velvet did not serve Valley Park or ASDA but only ran the route between Eastleigh and Hiltingbury. The contract for Sunday buses was won by Stagecoach in Hampshire
.
From 23 February 2009, Velvet started to run the C1 and the C2 on Monday to Saturday daytimes as well, with route and timetable changes. This contract was originally for 6 months; however Hampshire County Council later awarded the company the contract until 2011. 2 Dennis Darts have been hired to run this route.
From 1st November 2009, routes C1 and C2 were replaced by revised routes C1, C2 and C3, with the C3 giving a new direct route to Asda from Eastleigh. Velvet also took over the Sunday service on route C1.
From 16 October 2011, the Sunday C1 service will transfer to Xelabus
and the C3 will be fully withdrawn.
- Boyatt Wood
- Winchester
The E8 Monday to Saturday evening service started on Monday 12 January 2009. The service only covers up to Boyatt Wood, providing an hourly service. Daytime services are run by Bluestar E1/E2/E3 extending to Winchester on a half-hourly basis.
From 1st November 2009, Velvet also won the contract for the two-hourly basis Sunday service on route E2 to Winchester via Otterbourne
, Stanmore and County Hospital.
Velvet S2 came to life as Velvet 22 on 8th February 2010, replacing the previous First 22 service run by A2B Express Travel under a franchise agreement.
Velvet 22 was renumbered to Velvet S2 on Tuesday 31st August 2010 where there were route and timetable changes. The route has now been extended to Northam Estate to provide a link for Springhill School pupils and now also runs via Bedford Place.
This service was introduced in April 2011 operated in partnership with Marwell Wildlife and Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership, the route offers 3 buses to and 3 buses from Marwell on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Users of the M service are able to get a 10% discount on the entry price at Marwell.
The service is currently suspended for the Winter.
. All routes started in September 2008 and run at college times only. The routes and times have been revised several times since then. All routes are run under an agreement with the college to provide services commercially, except route 618 which is run under contract to the college.
- Totton - Marchwood
- Hythe
.
This route ran on Sundays and Bank Holidays only. After Bluestar
decided to stop running the Sunday service on Bluestar 8, Hampshire County Council sent out a contract for the Sunday service, and Velvet took over on 2 March 2008. However, Bluestar began to operate the Sunday service again on 9 November 2008, and Velvet's operations stopped.
- Poulner - Burley
- Lyndhurst
- some journeys to Southampton
.
Wilts & Dorset
previously ran the X35 service, but on the renewal of the tender of the service they lost out to Velvet who decided to run a different route arrangement. The service started on 27 May 2008, along with the 300.
Due to low passenger numbers, the service was withdrawn from Saturday 10 January 2009. It has been replaced by a reduced Wilts & Dorset service.
- Poulner - Southampton
.
Velvet 300 started on 27 May 2008, in conjunction with Velvet 35 but running more directly, on the A31
and M27 motorway
. It resurrected part of the old Wilts & Dorset X33 service but was withdrawn, along with the 35, from Saturday 10 January 2009 due to low passenger numbers and high mileage costs. Dorset Sprinter ran along this route from September 09 with journeys starting in Bournemouth, which provided a full replacement, with 4 journeys in each direction, Monday to Saturday, except Bank Holidays. This operated as the X55 between Bournemouth and Ringwood and the X5 between Ringwood and Southampton. Unfortunately this service was also discontinued after only a few months, again due to high costs and low revenue.
- Shakespeare Road - Barton Peveril College
- Swaythling - Portswood - Southampton City Centre
- Southampton Central Station
Velvet 500 started on Monday 12 January 2009. It was created to partly replace certain areas that withdrawn Velvet B covered. It also provided a new link to Southampton for Barton Peveril College
students and other residents around the Eastleigh area without a direct service to Southampton. Due to low passenger numbers, this service ceased to operate on the 18 April 2009.
- Fair Oak - Eastleigh
This was a new concept designed to provide a link between Eastleigh and Fair Oak every 15 minutes throughout the day. This service proved popular at first, many passengers enjoying the reliability and frequency compared to Bluestar's route 2. However in March 2009, Bluestar increased the frequency on the section of the number 2 between Eastleigh and Fair Oak, using Optare Solos to run every 10 minutes. Velvet then lost enough passengers to cease the service on the 20th May 2009.
- Boyatt Wood
- Velmore - Southampton
Velvet B was announced on 7 July 2008 to provide new links for some of the places previously served by withdrawn Bluestar Red Rocket routes. It was operated by vehicles and drivers running between duties on routes 35 and 300. It started on 8 September 2008. Despite earlier giving up the route, Bluestar started to operate "Beep! Bus" along the same route, timed three minutes earlier than Velvet's journeys and using the same route number. In an apparent attempt to disguise who was operating the service some old Red Rocket buses (still painted red) were branded with "Beep! Bus" logos, with drivers wearing red polo shirts instead of Bluestar uniform.
With both the competition and the withdrawal of the 300/35, Velvet withdrew the service on Saturday 10 January 2009, partly replaced by route 500. With the news that Velvet had withdrawn from the route, Bluestar withdrew "Beep! Bus" from 22 February 2009.
The current fleet comprises:
Velvet sometimes lease buses from other companies when a certain number of buses are off the road for maintenance.
In Late 2010, 2 DAF SB220
/East Lancs Myllennium
Buses were withdrawn after being damaged in fires.
Eastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
, owned by Phil Stockley, the former manager of Solent Blue Line
Solent Blue Line
Solent Blue Line Ltd formerly Musterphantom Ltd is a bus company which operates buses in Hampshire, England under the names Bluestar and Uni-link. The company was taken over along with its parent, Southern Vectis in 2005 by The Go-Ahead Group. From 25 February 2008, all previous Solent Blue Line...
. The company was set up on 3rd November 2007, and its first operational contract was started in January 2008, running a temporary shuttle for Tesco
Tesco
Tesco plc is a global grocery and general merchandise retailer headquartered in Cheshunt, United Kingdom. It is the third-largest retailer in the world measured by revenues and the second-largest measured by profits...
staff.
On 25 February 2008, Velvet took over the running of Red Rocket A in Eastleigh
Eastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
, which was being given up by the previous operator Solent Blue Line
Solent Blue Line
Solent Blue Line Ltd formerly Musterphantom Ltd is a bus company which operates buses in Hampshire, England under the names Bluestar and Uni-link. The company was taken over along with its parent, Southern Vectis in 2005 by The Go-Ahead Group. From 25 February 2008, all previous Solent Blue Line...
(under the Red Rocket brand) as part of their network restructuring. Since then, Velvet has gained a number of contracts to run other routes.
Velvet A
EastleighEastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
- West End
West End, Hampshire
The Parish of West End in Hampshire is situated within the borough of Eastleigh, and to the north east of the city of Southampton. As well as the village itself, the parish contains the Chartwell Green suburb of Southampton....
- Hedge End
Hedge End
Hedge End is a town and civil parish located in Hampshire in England. It is situated to the east of the City of Southampton, adjoining the districts of West End and Botley. Hedge End lies within the Borough of Eastleigh and is part of the Southampton Urban Area.It is sometimes mistakenly claimed...
- Botley
Botley, Hampshire
Botley is a historic village in Hampshire, England that obtained a charter for a market from Henry III in 1267. The area has been settled since at least the 10th century....
- Boorley Green.
On 25 February 2008 Velvet started running this service, which was given up by Solent Blue Line, on a half-hourly frequency. First
First Hampshire & Dorset
First Hampshire & Dorset is a subsidiary bus company within FirstGroup, which operates buses and trains throughout Great Britain.First Hampshire & Dorset has its head office in Empress Road, Southampton and operates bus services in the Weymouth and Bridport areas in Dorset; and services in...
run the Hedge End
Hedge End
Hedge End is a town and civil parish located in Hampshire in England. It is situated to the east of the City of Southampton, adjoining the districts of West End and Botley. Hedge End lies within the Borough of Eastleigh and is part of the Southampton Urban Area.It is sometimes mistakenly claimed...
- Hamble
Hamble-le-Rice
Hamble-le-Rice is a village in the Borough of Eastleigh in Hampshire, UK. It is best known for being an aircraft training centre during the Second World War and is a popular yachting location...
service as part of their 26 route and also run the evening A service between Eastleigh and Hedge End. Stagecoach
Stagecoach in Hampshire
Hampshire Bus Company Ltd. trading as Stagecoach in Hampshire is an operating sub-division of Stagecoach South, part of the Stagecoach Group.Its main bases of operation are Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester.-Local:...
run the Sunday service on the route between Eastleigh and Hedge End.
In summer 2008, a major road closure caused the service to be diverted and subsequently reduced in frequency. When the road reopened, the route continued in its diverted form due to increased passenger custom, although the frequency still remained hourly.
On 12 January 2009, the route was amended in the Hedge End and Botley area, no longer serving Hobb Lane and Tanhouse Lane, but running instead via Bursledon Road. The route was also extended to Boorley Green, replacing First service 25.
On 6 June 2011, the route changes to a 30 minute frequency between Eastleigh & Hedge End Mon-Sat daytime, with hourly loops to Oaklands Estate and Botley. The route will also use low floor single deckers rather than the step entry double deckers currently used. A 611 service on college days was also introduced.
On 16 October 2011, the evening service will change operators from First Hampshire & Dorset
First Hampshire & Dorset
First Hampshire & Dorset is a subsidiary bus company within FirstGroup, which operates buses and trains throughout Great Britain.First Hampshire & Dorset has its head office in Empress Road, Southampton and operates bus services in the Weymouth and Bridport areas in Dorset; and services in...
to Velvet. The sunday service transfers from Stagecoach in Hampshire
Stagecoach in Hampshire
Hampshire Bus Company Ltd. trading as Stagecoach in Hampshire is an operating sub-division of Stagecoach South, part of the Stagecoach Group.Its main bases of operation are Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester.-Local:...
to First Hampshire & Dorset
First Hampshire & Dorset
First Hampshire & Dorset is a subsidiary bus company within FirstGroup, which operates buses and trains throughout Great Britain.First Hampshire & Dorset has its head office in Empress Road, Southampton and operates bus services in the Weymouth and Bridport areas in Dorset; and services in...
Velvet C
Velvet C1 - EastleighEastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
- Chandler's Ford
Chandler's Ford
Chandler's Ford is a largely residential area and civil parish in the Borough of Eastleigh in Hampshire, England, with a population of 20,071 in the 2001 UK Census....
- Hiltingbury
Hiltingbury
Hiltingbury is an area within the Borough of Eastleigh in Hampshire, England. There are two electoral wards representing Hiltingbury, returning a total of four councillors to the Borough Council.-Education:...
Velvet C2 - Eastleigh
Eastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
- Chandler's Ford
Chandler's Ford
Chandler's Ford is a largely residential area and civil parish in the Borough of Eastleigh in Hampshire, England, with a population of 20,071 in the 2001 UK Census....
- Hiltingbury
Hiltingbury
Hiltingbury is an area within the Borough of Eastleigh in Hampshire, England. There are two electoral wards representing Hiltingbury, returning a total of four councillors to the Borough Council.-Education:...
Velvet C3 - Eastleigh
Eastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
- Asda
Asda
Asda Stores Ltd is a British supermarket chain which retails food, clothing, general merchandise, toys and financial services. It also has a mobile telephone network, , Asda Mobile...
- Valley Park
Valley Park
-Places:* Valley Park, Mississippi* Valley Park, Missouri* Valley Park, Oklahoma* Lea Valley Park* Valley Park Retail Area* Valley Park Middle School* Peace Valley Park* Yarrow Valley Park* Broadmeadows Valley Park* Fox Valley Park District...
- Hiltingbury
Hiltingbury
Hiltingbury is an area within the Borough of Eastleigh in Hampshire, England. There are two electoral wards representing Hiltingbury, returning a total of four councillors to the Borough Council.-Education:...
Velvet originally started running the route C1 in the evenings in September 2008 when Bluestar lost the tender for this route. Daytime services continued to be run by Bluestar. Velvet did not serve Valley Park or ASDA but only ran the route between Eastleigh and Hiltingbury. The contract for Sunday buses was won by Stagecoach in Hampshire
Stagecoach in Hampshire
Hampshire Bus Company Ltd. trading as Stagecoach in Hampshire is an operating sub-division of Stagecoach South, part of the Stagecoach Group.Its main bases of operation are Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester.-Local:...
.
From 23 February 2009, Velvet started to run the C1 and the C2 on Monday to Saturday daytimes as well, with route and timetable changes. This contract was originally for 6 months; however Hampshire County Council later awarded the company the contract until 2011. 2 Dennis Darts have been hired to run this route.
From 1st November 2009, routes C1 and C2 were replaced by revised routes C1, C2 and C3, with the C3 giving a new direct route to Asda from Eastleigh. Velvet also took over the Sunday service on route C1.
From 16 October 2011, the Sunday C1 service will transfer to Xelabus
Xelabus
Xelabus is a small independent bus operator, based in Eastleigh, Hampshire. They operate within the Southampton and Eastleigh area. running many supermarket routes.-History:...
and the C3 will be fully withdrawn.
Velvet E
EastleighEastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
- Boyatt Wood
Boyatt Wood
Boyatt Wood is a small residential area north of Eastleigh in Hampshire.Famously Craig David used to practice trumpet here.Boyatt Wood Church, is an Anglican parish church in the area. Boyatt Wood Allotment Site contains 61 gardening plots.Boyatt Wood contains a pub and some local shops, but it...
- Winchester
Winchester
Winchester is a historic cathedral city and former capital city of England. It is the county town of Hampshire, in South East England. The city lies at the heart of the wider City of Winchester, a local government district, and is located at the western end of the South Downs, along the course of...
The E8 Monday to Saturday evening service started on Monday 12 January 2009. The service only covers up to Boyatt Wood, providing an hourly service. Daytime services are run by Bluestar E1/E2/E3 extending to Winchester on a half-hourly basis.
From 1st November 2009, Velvet also won the contract for the two-hourly basis Sunday service on route E2 to Winchester via Otterbourne
Otterbourne
Otterbourne is a village in Hampshire, England. It is located approximately four miles south of Winchester and eight miles north of Southampton. In October 2002, its population was approximately 1,520, and there were 602 dwellings....
, Stanmore and County Hospital.
Velvet S2
Shirley - Regents Park - Freemantle - Bedford Place - SouthamptonSouthampton
Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
Velvet S2 came to life as Velvet 22 on 8th February 2010, replacing the previous First 22 service run by A2B Express Travel under a franchise agreement.
Velvet 22 was renumbered to Velvet S2 on Tuesday 31st August 2010 where there were route and timetable changes. The route has now been extended to Northam Estate to provide a link for Springhill School pupils and now also runs via Bedford Place.
Velvet M
Eastleigh - Marwell WildlifeThis service was introduced in April 2011 operated in partnership with Marwell Wildlife and Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership, the route offers 3 buses to and 3 buses from Marwell on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Users of the M service are able to get a 10% discount on the entry price at Marwell.
The service is currently suspended for the Winter.
Barton Peveril College Services
Velvet runs a number of services for Barton Peveril CollegeBarton Peveril College
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College is the seventh largest sixth form college in the UK, located in Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK with approximately 2600 students. It is part of the Wessex Group of Sixth Form Colleges.-Admissions:...
. All routes started in September 2008 and run at college times only. The routes and times have been revised several times since then. All routes are run under an agreement with the college to provide services commercially, except route 618 which is run under contract to the college.
| Number | Route |
|---|---|
| 601 | Hamble Hamble-le-Rice Hamble-le-Rice is a village in the Borough of Eastleigh in Hampshire, UK. It is best known for being an aircraft training centre during the Second World War and is a popular yachting location... - Netley Netley Netley, sometimes called Netley Abbey, is a village on the south coast of Hampshire, England, situated on the east side of the city of Southampton... - Butlocks Heath - Bursledon Bursledon Bursledon is a village on the River Hamble in Hampshire, England. It is located within the borough of Eastleigh. Close to the city of Southampton, Bursledon has a railway station, a marina, dockyards and the Bursledon Windmill. Nearby villages include Swanwick, Hamble-le-Rice, Netley and Sarisbury... - Hedge End Hedge End Hedge End is a town and civil parish located in Hampshire in England. It is situated to the east of the City of Southampton, adjoining the districts of West End and Botley. Hedge End lies within the Borough of Eastleigh and is part of the Southampton Urban Area.It is sometimes mistakenly claimed... - Barton Peveril College Barton Peveril College Barton Peveril Sixth Form College is the seventh largest sixth form college in the UK, located in Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK with approximately 2600 students. It is part of the Wessex Group of Sixth Form Colleges.-Admissions:... . |
| 603 | Hedge End Hedge End Hedge End is a town and civil parish located in Hampshire in England. It is situated to the east of the City of Southampton, adjoining the districts of West End and Botley. Hedge End lies within the Borough of Eastleigh and is part of the Southampton Urban Area.It is sometimes mistakenly claimed... - Grange Park Grange park Grange Park is a prominent and well-used public park in downtown Toronto, located south of the Art Gallery of Ontario, beside the Ontario College of Art and Design University , and north of University Settlement House, at the north end of John Street... - West End West End, Hampshire The Parish of West End in Hampshire is situated within the borough of Eastleigh, and to the north east of the city of Southampton. As well as the village itself, the parish contains the Chartwell Green suburb of Southampton.... - Mansbridge Mansbridge Mansbridge is a suburb on the northern perimeter of Southampton, England. The area is named after the Mans Bridge which spans the River Itchen. For a considerable time, this was the southern-most crossing point of the river, before the construction of Woodmill in Swaythling... - Barton Peveril College Barton Peveril College Barton Peveril Sixth Form College is the seventh largest sixth form college in the UK, located in Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK with approximately 2600 students. It is part of the Wessex Group of Sixth Form Colleges.-Admissions:... . |
| 612 | Woolston - Sholing - Thornhill Thornhill, Hampshire -About Thornhill:Thornhill is a suburb of Southampton, United Kingdom. Situated on the Eastern border of the City and bounded by three major roads; the area is effectively an island. According to the the population was 11,460... - Bitterne Bitterne Bitterne is an eastern suburb and Electoral Ward of Southampton, England.Bitterne derives its name not from the similarly named bird, the Bittern but from the bend in the River Itchen; the Old English words byht and ærn together mean "house near a bend", most likely a reference to Bitterne Manor... - St Denys - Barton Peveril College Barton Peveril College Barton Peveril Sixth Form College is the seventh largest sixth form college in the UK, located in Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK with approximately 2600 students. It is part of the Wessex Group of Sixth Form Colleges.-Admissions:... . |
| 618 | Fareham Fareham The market town of Fareham lies in the south east of Hampshire, England, between the cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, roughly in the centre of the South Hampshire conurbation.It gives its name to the borough comprising the town and the surrounding area... - Barton Peveril College Barton Peveril College Barton Peveril Sixth Form College is the seventh largest sixth form college in the UK, located in Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK with approximately 2600 students. It is part of the Wessex Group of Sixth Form Colleges.-Admissions:... . |
Bluestar 8
SouthamptonSouthampton
Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
- Totton - Marchwood
Marchwood
Marchwood is a village and civil parish located in Hampshire, United Kingdom. It lies between Totton and Hythe on the western shore of Southampton Water, next to the New Forest. The population of the village in the 2001 census was 5,586.-History:...
- Hythe
Hythe, Hampshire
Hythe is a village near Southampton, Hampshire, England. It is located by the shore of Southampton Water, and has a ferry service connecting it to Southampton...
.
This route ran on Sundays and Bank Holidays only. After Bluestar
Bluestar (bus company)
Bluestar is a trading name of Solent Blue Line Ltd. Based in Eastleigh, the company operates bus routes in Hampshire that previously traded under the Solent Blue Line name. Blue Line was started by bus company Southern Vectis as it sought to expand from the Isle of Wight in 1987...
decided to stop running the Sunday service on Bluestar 8, Hampshire County Council sent out a contract for the Sunday service, and Velvet took over on 2 March 2008. However, Bluestar began to operate the Sunday service again on 9 November 2008, and Velvet's operations stopped.
Velvet 35
RingwoodRingwood
Ringwood is a historic market town and civil parish in Hampshire, England, located on the River Avon, close to the New Forest and north of Bournemouth. It has a history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, and has held a weekly market since the Middle Ages....
- Poulner - Burley
Burley, Hampshire
Burley is a village and civil parish in the New Forest, Hampshire, England, with a wealth of tea rooms, gift shops, art galleries and a pick-your-own farm.-The village:...
- Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst, Hampshire
Lyndhurst is a village and civil parish in the New Forest, Hampshire, England. It is a popular tourist location with many independent shops, art galleries, cafés, restaurants, pubs and hotels. The nearest city is Southampton located around nine miles to the north-east...
- some journeys to Southampton
Southampton
Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
.
Wilts & Dorset
Wilts & Dorset
Wilts & Dorset is a bus company in England covering Poole, Bournemouth, East Dorset, South Wiltshire and West Hampshire. Its local headquarters is in Poole, but it is owned by the Go-Ahead Group, a major UK transport group....
previously ran the X35 service, but on the renewal of the tender of the service they lost out to Velvet who decided to run a different route arrangement. The service started on 27 May 2008, along with the 300.
Due to low passenger numbers, the service was withdrawn from Saturday 10 January 2009. It has been replaced by a reduced Wilts & Dorset service.
Velvet 300
RingwoodRingwood
Ringwood is a historic market town and civil parish in Hampshire, England, located on the River Avon, close to the New Forest and north of Bournemouth. It has a history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, and has held a weekly market since the Middle Ages....
- Poulner - Southampton
Southampton
Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
.
Velvet 300 started on 27 May 2008, in conjunction with Velvet 35 but running more directly, on the A31
A31 road
The A31 is a major trunk road in southern England that runs from Guildford in Surrey to Bere Regis in Dorset.-Route of road:The road begins in the centre of Guildford, meeting the A3 road before running south west along the Hog's Back. It continues past Farnham, Alton and New Alresford before...
and M27 motorway
M27 motorway
The M27 is a motorway in Hampshire, England. It is long and runs west-east from Cadnam to Portsmouth. It was opened in stages between 1975 and 1983. It is however unfinished as an extension to the east was planned...
. It resurrected part of the old Wilts & Dorset X33 service but was withdrawn, along with the 35, from Saturday 10 January 2009 due to low passenger numbers and high mileage costs. Dorset Sprinter ran along this route from September 09 with journeys starting in Bournemouth, which provided a full replacement, with 4 journeys in each direction, Monday to Saturday, except Bank Holidays. This operated as the X55 between Bournemouth and Ringwood and the X5 between Ringwood and Southampton. Unfortunately this service was also discontinued after only a few months, again due to high costs and low revenue.
Velvet 500
EastleighEastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
- Shakespeare Road - Barton Peveril College
Barton Peveril College
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College is the seventh largest sixth form college in the UK, located in Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK with approximately 2600 students. It is part of the Wessex Group of Sixth Form Colleges.-Admissions:...
- Swaythling - Portswood - Southampton City Centre
Southampton City Centre
Southampton City Centre is the commercial and organisational centre of the City of Southampton, and the transport hub of the city. Because Southampton is on the South Coast of England, the city centre is not at the geometric centre of the city, but at the southern extremity.The traditional heart...
- Southampton Central Station
Velvet 500 started on Monday 12 January 2009. It was created to partly replace certain areas that withdrawn Velvet B covered. It also provided a new link to Southampton for Barton Peveril College
Barton Peveril College
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College is the seventh largest sixth form college in the UK, located in Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK with approximately 2600 students. It is part of the Wessex Group of Sixth Form Colleges.-Admissions:...
students and other residents around the Eastleigh area without a direct service to Southampton. Due to low passenger numbers, this service ceased to operate on the 18 April 2009.
Fair Oak Flyer
EastleighEastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
- Fair Oak - Eastleigh
Eastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
This was a new concept designed to provide a link between Eastleigh and Fair Oak every 15 minutes throughout the day. This service proved popular at first, many passengers enjoying the reliability and frequency compared to Bluestar's route 2. However in March 2009, Bluestar increased the frequency on the section of the number 2 between Eastleigh and Fair Oak, using Optare Solos to run every 10 minutes. Velvet then lost enough passengers to cease the service on the 20th May 2009.
Velvet B
EastleighEastleigh
Eastleigh is a railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough which is part of Southampton Urban Area. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation...
- Boyatt Wood
Boyatt Wood
Boyatt Wood is a small residential area north of Eastleigh in Hampshire.Famously Craig David used to practice trumpet here.Boyatt Wood Church, is an Anglican parish church in the area. Boyatt Wood Allotment Site contains 61 gardening plots.Boyatt Wood contains a pub and some local shops, but it...
- Velmore - Southampton
Southampton
Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
Velvet B was announced on 7 July 2008 to provide new links for some of the places previously served by withdrawn Bluestar Red Rocket routes. It was operated by vehicles and drivers running between duties on routes 35 and 300. It started on 8 September 2008. Despite earlier giving up the route, Bluestar started to operate "Beep! Bus" along the same route, timed three minutes earlier than Velvet's journeys and using the same route number. In an apparent attempt to disguise who was operating the service some old Red Rocket buses (still painted red) were branded with "Beep! Bus" logos, with drivers wearing red polo shirts instead of Bluestar uniform.
With both the competition and the withdrawal of the 300/35, Velvet withdrew the service on Saturday 10 January 2009, partly replaced by route 500. With the news that Velvet had withdrawn from the route, Bluestar withdrew "Beep! Bus" from 22 February 2009.
Fleet
- 2 Volvo Citybus/Northern Counties PalatineNorthern Counties PalatineThe Northern Counties Palatine is a step-entrance double-decker bus body built by Northern Counties of Wigan, UK. It was built mainly on Leyland Olympian and Volvo Olympian chassis, although some were also built on DAF, Volvo B10M Citybus and Scania chassis...
- F303/309 MYJ. Formerly with StagecoachStagecoach SouthStagecoach South is an operating division of the Stagecoach UK Bus. The headquarters of the division are situated in Chichester, England.It is branded as three sub-divisions; namely, Stagecoach in Hampshire, Stagecoach Hants & Surrey, and Stagecoach in the South Downs. The legal titles are;...
and new to Southdown Motor ServicesSouthdown Motor ServicesSouthdown Motor Services Ltd operates bus and coach services in East and West Sussex and parts of Hampshire, in southern England. It was formed in 1915 and had various owners throughout its history, being purchased by the National Bus Company in 1969...
. - 2 DAF SB220DAF SB220The DAF SB220 is a city bus chassis produced by DAF Bus International in the 1980s and 1990s.It has been superseded by the DAF/VDL SB200 and SB250.-United Kingdom :*Optare Delta*Ikarus Citibus...
/East Lancs MyllenniumEast Lancs MyllenniumThe East Lancs Myllennium is a type of bus body built on MAN, Volvo, DAF/VDL and Alexander Dennis chassis. It was built as a single and double deck body, with double deck bodies having slightly different names .-Single decker:...
single deckers - V7 GMT and V12 GMT. Formerly with London GeneralLondon GeneralLondon General is a bus company operating in Surrey ang Greater London. It is owned by the Go-Ahead Group and operates most buses under contract to London Buses...
, these have had their centre doors removed. - 4 Leyland OlympianLeyland OlympianThe Leyland Olympian was a double-decker bus built by British Leyland/Leyland Bus in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1993. It was the last Leyland bus model in production before the demise of Leyland Bus.-Construction:...
/AlexanderWalter Alexander CoachbuildersWalter Alexander Coachbuilders was a Scottish bus coachbuilder and operater based in Falkirk.-History:Walter Alexander, notice a lack expasion by the Falkirk and District Tramways Company's especially in to Grangemouth which never hdd a tram line. In 1913 Alexander's Motor Service was created to...
- J841/843/851/863 TSC. These were formerly with Lothian BusesLothian BusesLothian Buses Plc is the only municipal bus company in Scotland and the largest provider of bus services in Edinburgh, Scotland. City of Edinburgh Council own 91.01% of the company with the remainder being owned by East Lothian and Midlothian councils. As well as serving Edinburgh, Lothian Buses...
. - 2 Optare SoloOptare SoloThe Optare Solo is a low-floor midibus manufactured by Optare in Leeds, UK since 1997. The name "Solo" is a play on the low-floor status of the bus, the manufacturer believing its vehicle having an entrance that is "so low" from the floor, namely 200 mm with kneeling suspension.The innovative...
- YJ55 YGN and NX55 FFO, previously with Scarlet Band of County Durham - 2 Optare SpectraOptare SpectraLaunched in 1991, the Optare Spectra is a double-decker bus body built on the DAF DB250 chassis.The vehicle was developed as a joint project between Optare and DAF; based on the designs of the successful MCW Metrobus which Optare had purchased, but they are no means a restlyed Metrobus...
- L711 ALJ (A step-entry, ex Wilts & Dorset), A second Spectra was purchased in 2011 from North Somerset Coaches. - 4 Dennis Dart SLF - S162 BMR, V392 SVV and W107 RNC. V392 SVV and W107 RNC were purchased from Southdown PSV.
- 1 Super Pointer Dart, W554 JVV. Formerly with Southdown PSV.
Velvet sometimes lease buses from other companies when a certain number of buses are off the road for maintenance.
In Late 2010, 2 DAF SB220
DAF SB220
The DAF SB220 is a city bus chassis produced by DAF Bus International in the 1980s and 1990s.It has been superseded by the DAF/VDL SB200 and SB250.-United Kingdom :*Optare Delta*Ikarus Citibus...
/East Lancs Myllennium
East Lancs Myllennium
The East Lancs Myllennium is a type of bus body built on MAN, Volvo, DAF/VDL and Alexander Dennis chassis. It was built as a single and double deck body, with double deck bodies having slightly different names .-Single decker:...
Buses were withdrawn after being damaged in fires.
See also
- BluestarBluestar (bus company)Bluestar is a trading name of Solent Blue Line Ltd. Based in Eastleigh, the company operates bus routes in Hampshire that previously traded under the Solent Blue Line name. Blue Line was started by bus company Southern Vectis as it sought to expand from the Isle of Wight in 1987...
- First Hampshire & DorsetFirst Hampshire & DorsetFirst Hampshire & Dorset is a subsidiary bus company within FirstGroup, which operates buses and trains throughout Great Britain.First Hampshire & Dorset has its head office in Empress Road, Southampton and operates bus services in the Weymouth and Bridport areas in Dorset; and services in...
- Solent Blue LineSolent Blue LineSolent Blue Line Ltd formerly Musterphantom Ltd is a bus company which operates buses in Hampshire, England under the names Bluestar and Uni-link. The company was taken over along with its parent, Southern Vectis in 2005 by The Go-Ahead Group. From 25 February 2008, all previous Solent Blue Line...
- List of bus operators of the United Kingdom