Bluestar has re-launched its long-established service which links Southampton Central Station with the city’s ferry terminals. Previously branded Citylink, the high-profile service has now been re-branded Quayconnect.
Funded by ferry operator Red Funnel, Go-Ahead Group-owned Bluestar said the route’s new name reflects investment to handle increasing passenger numbers and improve integration between the ferries and trains.
The service’s dedicated East Lancs Myllenium-bodied Dennis Dart has benefitted from a refurbishment undertaken at Eastleigh-based Hants & Dorset Trim. The two-door bus, which was acquired new for the service, has been equipped with reupholstered seating, free Icomera WiFi and a real-time information display for ferry and rail services. Externally, the bus sports a striking new livery, which mimics the brand identity revealed for Red Funnel’s new Red Jet 6 Hi-Speed catamaran, due to enter service in July.
Bluestar Operations Director Ed Wills said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Red Funnel in the delivery of the newly-branded Quayconnect service. It is incredibly popular with customers and I know they will be pleased that the service is going from strength to strength.”
Kevin George, Red Funnel’s CEO, commented: “We have always been an advocate of integrated public transport and Quayconnect provides an essential link between the city’s ferry and train services. Journey times between London and the Isle of Wight are shorter via Southampton and the new livery will make it easier for cross-Solent travellers to quickly identify which bus to catch.”
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For more information about Quayconnect, visit bluestarbus.co.uk or redfunnel.co.uk/quayconnect.
