Bus service to zoo axed due to financial pressures

A bus service to a zoo has been scrapped over costs.

The seasonal Bluestar route was subsidised by Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, and offered passengers discounted entry to the attraction.

But the zoo has said "unfortunately, uptake was low and the operator was unable to share the high cost, making the service financially unsustainable".

Bluestar said it was "disappointed" funding had been withdrawn and apologised for any inconvenience.

In a statement, Marwell Wildlife added: "As a conservation charity, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.

"This was not a decision we took lightly, but as a charity, it's vital that we focus our limited resources where they can have the greatest impact.

"We're grateful for our guests' understanding and continued support."

The Bluestar service from Eastleigh Bus Station stopped at Eastleigh Rail Station and the New Clock Inn in Fair Oak before getting to the zoo.

Under its timetable released in February, it had been set to run hourly on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays until 2 September and also through the October half term.

Public transport options to the zoo remain available via the Stagecoach 69 service, which runs direct to the site on Sundays and bank holidays.

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