Public transport scaled back amid outbreak lockdown
TRANSPORT services have been scaled back across the New Forest and Christchurch as the public has been urged to avoid unnecessary journeys.
South Western Railway said it had reduced the number of trains running on the network, which includes the New Forest line and the branchline between Brockenhurst and Lymington.
It said in a statement: “The spread of the Covid-19 means that like at most other organisations, more of our staff are having to follow advice to stay at home unwell and self-isolate for up to 14 days.
“By reducing the number of trains running, we can focus on ensuring a reliable timetable for passengers who still have to travel, especially healthcare professionals, police and fire service workers.”
Latest information here.
From today (Wednesday) Morebus said most of its timetables will be similar to a Sunday service with some extra journeys in the morning and afternoon peaks for key workers to get to and from work.
However, some will be under a normal school day or school holiday timetable:
- 38 Ferndown to Ringwood
- Ringo RG1 and RG2 Ringwood via Poluner
- 24 Burton to St Catherine's Hill
- 119 Lymington to New Milton
- 125 Ringwood to Christchurch
- 191 New Milton to Chatsworth Park
- 193 New Milton via Barton
- X1 Bournemouth to Lymington
- X2 Bournemouth to Lymington
Since Monday Bluestar has reduced its bus operations, saying: "With fewer customers using our buses as a result of coronavirus and social distancing, we’ll be operating special timetables to better match current demand."
Modified Sunday service levels:
- 8 Southampton to Hythe
- 9 Southampton to Fawley / Langley
- 11, 12 Southampton to west Totton / Calmore
School holiday service levels:
- H1, H2 Applemore to Hythe
- T3, T4 Totton to Cadnam circular
- 6 Southampton to Lymington
Latest information here.
From tomorrow (Thursday), Yellow Buses will also introduce a reduced timetable, which includes services connecting Christchurch and New Milton.
The company warned customers: “During this time, the coloured route branding of our buses may not match the services they are on. If you are travelling, please be sure to check the service number on the destination screen at the front of the bus.”
Latest information here.
City Red, which runs the 1 bus between Calmore and Southampton, said that from Monday it will be operating Sunday service levels on all timetables.
Latest information here.
Wightlink’s Lymington to Yarmouth ferries have been reduced to a two-hourly service with priority for vehicles making essential deliveries, such as food and fuel, as well as emergency services.
Chief executive Keith Greenfield said: “We need to take this action and know it will affect the travel plans of some of our customers. However, bringing essential supplies to the Isle of Wight is our key priority at present, together with supporting the NHS and emergency services.
“This new timetable will also allow greater resilience to cope with increased levels of staff absence due to self-isolations.”
Latest information here.
Hythe ferry, which links the village to Southampton, has cancelled its Sunday sailings and scaled back its services. It has also ceased the pier train which carries customers to the landing point, unless there is bad weather.
The operator said: “We will maintain a good level of cleanliness by sanitising surfaces aboard the ferries and continue to take advice from government guidelines.”
Latest information here.
Passengers are advised to check travel details before setting out on public transport.
