Free buses in sunny (?) Southampton this weekend! Woa!

Portland Terrace chaos!

Here is a copy of the press release I issued as part of my attempts to beat congestion this weekend;

Free bus travel as nine cruise liners sail into Southampton

Southampton will host the arrival of nine of the world’s most impressive cruise liners over the August bank holiday weekend.

And to make it easier to get around the city, the council is working with the city’s bus companies to lay on free bus travel for the weekend.

During Saturday and Sunday there will be nearly one million tons of ship in Southampton’s docks with about 47,500 passengers coming and going. Five cruise liners are docking on Saturday, with a further four on Sunday.

The extra visitors in the city should provide a boost for businesses and tourist attractions across the city, potentially generating millions for the local economy.

However, with more than 12,000 extra vehicles expected on the roads the council is doing all it can to help people to get around the city by funding free bus travel. The council is teaming up with Blue Star and First bus companies, to provide free bus travel until 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The journeys will be free as long as they start and finish within the city’s boundaries.

Councillor Matt Dean, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I am delighted to announce that free bus travel will be provided for everyone this weekend. It is Southampton City Council’s responsibility to make sure we keep the city moving, and if we can do that by getting people to use public transport than terrific.”

“This will be a wonderful opportunity to get on the bus to access all our great city has to offer during a weekend when we are expecting the roads to be particularly busy.”

“I would encourage as many people as possible to come and see the ships coming in, which will be a fantastic sight.

“There will also be lots to do and see in the city during the weekend so make sure you don’t miss out.”

The Echo's take on things can be read HERE.